An increase in the prey population typically leads to an increase in the predator population due to more available food.

Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.

Pioneer species are the first organisms to colonize previously uninhabited or disturbed environments.

K-selected species typically exhibit high parental care and invest more resources in fewer offspring.

Climate is the primary factor influencing the distribution of organisms, as it affects temperature, precipitation, and seasonal changes.

Solar energy is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems, driving photosynthesis in plants.

Succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Succession refers to the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

The niche of a species is its role and position in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

The niche of an organism refers to its role and position in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Competition occurs when two species vie for the same limited resources, which can negatively impact both species.

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state.

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support.

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical components of the environment, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, which include plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Food availability is a density-dependent factor because its effect on population growth changes with population density.

Primary producers, such as plants, convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Plants are a biotic factor as they are living organisms that interact with other organisms in the ecosystem.

Density-dependent factors, such as disease, have a greater effect as the population density increases.

Bees pollinating flowers is a mutualistic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers.

Species diversity refers to the variety of species in an ecosystem, not a characteristic of a single population.

R-selected species are characterized by high fecundity and short lifespans, not long gestation periods.

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support sustainably.