Population Dynamics (Predator-Prey relationship)

Population dynamics = the study of how populations change over time. Population density: # of individuals per unit area.

How population size can change: Births Deaths Emigration (Organisms leaving) Immigration (Organisms entering)

Population Growth 1) Exponential growth Occurs when a pop. reproduces at a constant rate. Needs ideal conditions with unlimited resources.

2) Logistic growth Growth slows as resources become less available. Carrying capacity (“K”) = the largest number of individuals an environment can support.

Limits to growth Density-dependent factors Density-independent factors Not enough food/water/space, disease, parasitism, predators Density-independent factors Natural disasters, unusual weather, deforestation, hunting