Bullet 2: Fluctuations in Population Growth MT 3: Ecology
Review of Population: Group of the same species that live in the same location
What are significant changes that can happen in an ecosystem? Pair-Share: Turn to partner and discuss for 30 seconds.
Types of Changes Natural Events: Human Interactions: Abiotic Changes: Biotic Changes:
What specific factors cause a population's size to change? Birth Death Immigration Emigration
How does each factor cause a population to change? Increase Birth Death Immigration Emigration decrease Increase decrease
Increase in population Birth Increase Immigration
Decrease in population Death Decrease Emigration
Types of population growth 1. Exponential growth: occurs when resources are unlimited 2. Logistic growth: occurs when resources are limited
Exponential Growth Occurs under perfect conditions – unlimited resources, no predators In nature, does not occur very long Ex: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 132, 264
Exponential Growth
Logistic Growth More realistic in nature because of limited resources (food, shelter, mates) S-shaped graph. Population grows until its carrying capacity is reached.
Logistic Growth
Carrying Capacity The number of individuals in a population that can be supported by its environment. Based on resources (food, shelter, mates) in the environment. When a population reaches carrying capacity, the population has a net growth rate of zero.
Question: In nature, do you think most populations have the same number of individuals all year long? No, most populations fluctuate in size.
Question: What season would you predict that many populations reproduce? Defend your answer. Spring: moderate temperatures, adequate water supply, abundance of grass/plants (producers) so most consumers have something to eat