Changes in Populations and Population Dynamics

Question 1

What is a population dynamic?

Answer 1

It is the measurement of the size of the population over time and the factors that can be considered that cause the changes to occur.

Question 2

What are the four main factors that cause changes in a population?

Answer 2

1. Births
2. Deaths
3. Immigration
4. Emigration

Question 3

What factors determine if a population will rise or fall?

Answer 3

A stable food supply
Animals free from disease
Good ratio of males to females
A large proportion of males and females of breeding age
Availability of habitat (feeding, breeding and nesting areas)
Good weather conditions

Question 4

Define the term ‘metapopulations’.

Answer 4

A group of populations separated by space but consist of the same species.

Question 5

Define the term ‘seasonality’.

Answer 5

A characteristic of time in which there are regular and predictable changes that repeat over a one year period.

Question 6

Define the term ‘growth’.

Answer 6

The increase in a number of individuals in a populations

Question 7

Define the term ‘dissolution’.

Answer 7

When a breeding pair or a group of animals no longer interact with each other

Question 8

Define the term ‘dispersal’.

Answer 8

Movement from the birthing site to a breeding site or the movement from one breeding site to another

Question 9

Define the term ‘genetic variability’.

Answer 9

The likelihood of different genetic characteristics existing within a population

Question 10

Define the term ‘continuity of time’.

Answer 10

A habitat or population with a long uninterrupted presence

Question 11

Define the term ‘fecundity’.

Answer 11

The fertility within a population and its ability to create an abundance of offspring

Question 12

Define the term ‘natality’.

Answer 12

The birth rate of a population in comparison to the size of the population

Question 13

Define the term ‘mortality’.

Answer 13

Death rate, the number of deaths due to a specific cause