Module 5: Population Dynamics
Microorganisms - are known to be key drivers of global biogeochemical cycles
Population – a group of individuals of a single species inhabiting a specific area at the same time
Population Dynamics – an area in population ecology concerned with factors influencing the expansion,
decline, or maintenance of a population, including births, deaths, immigration, and emigration
Why is the Study of Population Dynamics Important?
Conservation of diverse plants & animals
Control of noxious pests, including human parasites & pathogens
Maintenance of economically important animal & plant populations
Ex: knowing the population dynamics of bees ensures the production of more honey for the
beekeeper
Demography – describes changes in population throughout the life cycle of the organism
- Commonly used in the human population
Natality – birth
Mortality – death
Immigration – new members of the population
entering the system but not through birth
Emigration – members of the population
leaving, therefore decreasing population size
- Happens due to dispersal
mechanisms of populations
Changes in the population can be brought about
by dispersal mechanisms
Dispersal – may increase or decrease local population
densities
- Leads to population expansion resulting to increase in their geographic range
- Normally happens when environmental conditions in their original habitat become
unfavorable
Inherent or intrinsic population growth – arise from the reproductive ability of the individuals in the
population
Biotic Potential – property or capacity of populations to multiply
- Maximum reproductive rate of the organism
- High in most species
- Influenced by sex ratio & age distribution
Favorable environment enables species to realize their
full biotic potential and population increases
Inherent or intrinsic population growth
(Birth + Immigration) – (Death + Emigration)