The document defines key terms related to metapopulation dynamics. It describes metapopulations as populations composed of spatially discrete local populations between which migration is limited. Local populations exist in habitat patches surrounded by unsuitable matrix. Metapopulations are characterized by local extinction and recolonization of vacant patches over time. If extinctions exceed recolonizations, the entire metapopulation may go regionally extinct. The document outlines different types of spatially dynamic populations and models used to study metapopulation dynamics.