Differentiate between population density and population distribution.
Population density is the number of individuals in a population per unit area. Population distribution is the pattern in which individuals in a population are dispersed in an area.
Which of the following did you include in your response? Check all that apply.
Name the three types of population distribution, describe each, and explain the conditions that govern each.
The three types of population distribution are uniform, random, and clumped. In a uniform distribution, individuals are evenly spaced, often because of competition for resources or territorial behavior; this pattern is relatively rare. In a random distribution, individuals are spaced unpredictably, usually where resources are sufficient and there are no strong forces drawing them together or pushing them apart. In a clumped distribution, individuals gather in groups around patchy resources or because of social behavior; this is the most common pattern.
Which of the following did you include in your response? Check all that apply.
Explain how birth rate, immigration, death rate, and emigration affect population growth.
Births and immigration increase population size, while deaths and emigration decrease it. Population growth is calculated as (birth rate + immigration) − (death rate + emigration).
Which of the following did you include in your response? Check all that apply.
Differentiate between density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors and give at least two examples from the lesson of each.
Density-dependent limiting factors become more influential as population size or density increases. Examples include disease, parasites, competition for food, water, or shelter, and predation. Density-independent limiting factors affect populations regardless of their size. Examples include natural disasters, climate, and human activity.
Which of the following did you include in your response? Check all that apply.
Did you find these answers helpful?