Stable and Unstable Populations

Question 1

What is a stable population?

Answer 1

• one in which numbers decrease when its size exceeds the carrying capacity
• but increase again when numbers fall below the carrying capacity
• i.e. one that fluctuates around the carrying capacity

Question 2

When does an unstable population develop?

Answer 2

• if the population far exceeds the carrying capacity

Question 3

What happens to the habitat of an unstable population?

Answer 3

• deteriorates rapidly, leading to a lowering of the carrying capacity
• eventually not able to support the population, which will decrease rapidly and possibly become extinct