Wiki Page, NGSS BIO A: Population Dynamics Vocabulary Sheet

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2025-11-05T13:40:24-08:00

Biodiversity- The variation found in all living things on earth. While all species differ in many ways, they do all share a few key characteristics

Population- The number of individuals living in a group of the same species. These individuals all live within the same geographic area.

Extinction- The process in which the population of a species decreases to the point where they can no longer survive and no more members of the species exist

Isolated- When a population or populations are separated from other populations. This separation can geographic (such as being on an island), but can be caused through other means as well.

Birth rate- The number of births relative to the population. Often written as (number of births) per 1000. The population goes up when the birth rate is higher than the death rate

Death rate- The number of deaths relative to the population. Often written as (number of deaths) per 1000. The population goes down when the death rate is higher than the birth rate

Symbiosis- A special relationship between two species living in close proximity to each other. This relationship benefits one species and often helps the other (though not always)

Mutualism- A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism- A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits from the relationship and the other does not, but is not harmed.

Parasitism- A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits from the relationship but the other is harmed. This relationship is not meant to kill the host species.