Population Distribution Ecological Factors The Living World

Population Distribution Population distribution is the way in which individuals are dispersed within their habitat There are three patterns of distribution Clumped distribution Uniform Distribution Random Distribution

Population Distribution Clumped Distribution: This is the most common Individuals form groups Usually happens when some areas of the habitat offer better living conditions Uniform Distribution: Individuals are dispersed equally In habitat Often caused by competition for resources

Populations Distribution Random Distribution: Rarely found in nature

Population Distribution Choose the appropriate type of Population Distribution Fish move around in schools, which reduces the effort to swim and provides protection from predators _____________ Birds space their nests at regular intervals to allow each bird a minimum territory ____________________ Poison Ivy is dispersed in a forest _______________________

Ecological Factors Populations are dependant on ecological factors We have 2 types of ecological factors Abiotic: Non- living factors ( physical or chemical) that affect the environment that a species chooses 2. Biotic: Living factors that affect the environment that a species chooses

Ecological Factors Examples of Abiotic and Biotic Factors Abiotic Factors Biotic Factors Amount of Light Birth Rate Soil or water pH Disease Depth of Snow Amount of Food Temperature Predation Terrain Competition Humidity Human ACtivity

Ecological Factors The intensity of an ecological factor will have a role on its effect on the population If the factor is so strong that it reduces the population density or prevents its growth we call it a LIMITING FACTOR

Biological Cycles Populations go through periods where they get bigger and then other periods when they get smaller We call this the BIOLOGICAL CYCLE

Biological Cycle When hare population rises, the lynx have more food Therefore, when hares increase so do lynx!!! When lynx increase, they hunt more hares. Over time, number of hares drops And the lynx can’t eat Therefore, when the hares decrease so do the lynx!!!! When the lynx become fewer they catch less hares Therefore….