AP Environmental Science · Unit 2 · Species & Ecosystems
Biodiversity & Conservation: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
20 flashcard terms for AP Environmental Science Unit 2, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 5-question quiz — free, no account needed.
Study this unit free →
Population Growth Increase in number of organisms; exponential growth when resources unlimited; logistic when resources limited.
Exponential Growth Population grows at constant rate; doubling time remains fixed; J-shaped curve.
Logistic Growth Population growth slows as resources limit; carrying capacity reached; S-shaped curve.
Carrying Capacity Maximum population size environment can sustain indefinitely; limited by resources.
Density-Dependent Factors Population growth affected by density (disease, competition); greater impact at high density.
Density-Independent Factors Population affected regardless of density (weather, disaster); affects all individuals equally.
Birth Rate Number of births per 1,000 individuals per year; varies by age structure and access to reproduction.
Death Rate Number of deaths per 1,000 individuals per year; increases with age and disease prevalence.
Migration Movement of individuals into (immigration) or out of (emigration) population; affects population size.
Age Structure Distribution of population by age groups; pyramids reveal population momentum.
Demographic Transition Shift from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates as societies develop.
Total Fertility Rate Average number of children per woman; replacement level is 2.1 in developed countries.
Survivorship Curve Graph showing proportion of cohort surviving to each age; reveals mortality patterns.
Predation Interaction where one organism (predator) kills and eats another (prey).
Competition Interaction where organisms compete for same resource (food, space, light).
Symbiosis Close relationship between different species; includes mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.
Mutualism Both species benefit from relationship; example: bees and flowers.
Parasitism One organism benefits; other is harmed; parasite feeds on host.
Commensalism One species benefits; other unaffected; example: remora fish on shark.
Succession Predictable change in community composition over time; primary follows disturbance; secondary after removal.
Turn these into flashcards & quizzes →
More AP Environmental Science guides
Crammy is a free all-in-one study hub for AP, A-Level, GCSE, IB and test prep — flashcards, quizzes, practice exams, an AI tutor, and adaptive study sessions. Start studying free .
SAT® and AP® are registered trademarks of the College Board. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None is affiliated with, sponsors, or endorses Crammy, and none has reviewed our practice material. All questions and explanations here are original. Legal & attributions .