Wildlife Biology Population Characteristics Population Characteristics Wildlife populations
Wildlife Biology Population Characteristics
Population Characteristics • Wildlife populations are dynamic – Populations increase and decrease in numbers due to a variety of factors
Population Characteristics • Take a guess: what are some reasons why a wildlife population might increase or decrease in size? • Discuss at your table and see if you can come up with a couple reasons.
Population Characteristics • There are three important characteristics that determine wildlife populations – Geographic distribution (where are they located? ) – Density (how many are packed into an area? ) – Growth rate – births, deaths, immigration, emigration
Population Characteristics • Geographic distribution: Which deer have better distribution? Why?
Population Characteristics • Density: If you were a wolf pack, which location might be better for your pack? Why? A B
Population Characteristics • Growth rate: good or bad?
Population Characteristics • Growth rate: good or bad?
Population Characteristics
Population Characteristics • Growth rate: good or bad?
Population Characteristics • Growth rate: good or bad?
Population Characteristics • There are several limits to population growth – Populations are kept in control by resources they need to survive and predators • Limiting factors – resources like food, water, shelter • Predators – animals that prey on the species • Human influence – what do we do to help or hurt?
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