Barrons AP Environmental Science

Figure  6.2 J-shaped    population  curve

Figure  6.3 S-shaped    population  curve   (logistics  model)  Predation

Predation is a mode of life in which food is primarily obtained by the killing and
consuming of animals. Predator and prey populations are closely interdependent.
Predation not only removes the very old, the very young, and the weaker
members from the population, but it may also reduce the population of the prey
(e.g., if the predators do not keep the prey population in balance, the carrying
capacity is exceeded, and the prey may starve).

Reproductive Strategies

Organisms have adapted either to maximize growth rates in environments that
lack limits or to maintain population size at close to the carrying capacity in
stable environments. Species that have high reproductive rates are known as r-
strategists. Species that reproduce later in life and with fewer offspring are