Population Ecology Populations Remember a population is a
Population Ecology
Populations • Remember, a population is a group of the same species living in the same area at the same time. • What are some things a population needs to survive? • Why can’t their population just keep growing in size?
• The size of a population in a community are regulated in many ways…. These are called Limiting Factors.
Density Dependent Limiting Factors • Limiting factors that depend on the size of the population. – Larger populations will show an increase in: • • • Competition Overgrazing Predation Disease/parasites Lack of space
Density independent factors • Limiting factors that are independent of the size of the population. (these can contribute to density dependent factors) • These factors affect large and small populations equally. – Fire – Extreme weather – Pollution – Climate extremes – Human intervention (hunting, roads, buildings)
Carrying Capacity • Each environment can only support a maximum number of organisms. This is called the carrying capacity of that area. – Dependent on resources (limiting factors) – It can change as the environment changes • Rapid or gradual changes – Keeps populations from outgrowing their habitat and stripping it of resources. – Provides a “balance” in nature
What is one population that ignores its carrying capacity?
- Slides: 10