Lecture 14 Notes: Populations

Population

Refers to a group of individuals of the same species residing in a specific geographic area and capable of interbreeding

Short-term factors

Weather events, diseases that affect survival rates etc.

Long-Term Factors

Species introductions (Invasive species, predation effects)

Great Tits

Populations measured in pairs per hectare, with observations recorded over years indicating population trends.

Geometric Growth

Reflects rapid growth under ideal conditions

Logistics growth

Accounts for resource limitations and stabilizes as population reaches carrying capacity.

Limitation

Any factors that impose a ceiling on population growth, including: habitat availability, food resources, climate conditions etc.

Regulation

The influence of population density on population size, as greater density can lead to increased competition and stress, thereby impacting growth.

Territoriality

Social behaviors that determine the size of territories occupied by breeding pairs. including stages of settlement within habitats. The balance between primary and secondary habitat use.