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Explore how populations of species interact within an ecosystem, the concept of carrying capacity, and factors that regulate population size such as competition, predation, and environmental changes. Learn how maintaining balance is crucial for sustainability.
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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
