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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?.
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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
