Population Dynamics

Unit 1: Ecology

SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one

another and the flow of energy and matter within their
ecosystems.

Element c: Relate environmental conditions to successional

changes in ecosystems
Element d: Assess and explain how human activities
influence the environment

Essential Question (s):

1). What are the costs and benefits of building a Wal-
Mart closer
to a residential area?
2). What would happen to the schools baseball field if left
undisturbed?
 How does an ecosystem work?
An ecosystem supports diverse communities. The
number of species living within an ecosystem is a
measure of its biodiversity.
The number and variety of organisms found within a
specific geographic region.
An ecosystem changes over time. Species
replacement is characterized by an ecological
succession in which one community slowly
replaces another as the environment changes.
There are two types of succession:
1. Primary which is the colonization of new land that is
exposed by avalanches, volcanoes, or glaciers,
2. Secondary, which refers to the sequence of community
changes that take place after a community is disrupted by
natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc) or human
actions.
Reintroduction of
Organisms
The first organisms to inhabit an area are
called pioneer species (lichen).
The 2nd group of organisms to inhabit the
area are bacteria, protists, mosses, and
fungi
The 3rd group include insects & arthropods
The 4th group include grasses, herbs,
shrubs, & trees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=E0qdWoLdk1c
Checkpoint #1
Q: What are the 2 types of succession?
A :Primary and secondary

Q: The first group of species to inhabit an area are

_________ example_____.
A: Pioneer species example lichen

Q: What are the last group of species to inhabit an

area?
A: trees and grass
 How is Population Growth
Predicted?
K = carrying capacity refers to
the number of organisms of one
species an environment can
support.

Exponential Growth
(aka J-shaped curve)
occurs when population growth
starts slow then increases
rapidly.

Logistic Growth
(aka S-shaped curve)
occurs when population
growth
reaches its carrying
capacity
 A Limiting Factor is any biotic or abiotic factor
that restricts the existence, numbers, reproduction,
or distribution of organisms

Limiting Factors
2-Main
Categories

Density-dependent Density-independent
Only become limiting when a Limiting no matter the
population reaches a certain size size of the population

Factors: competition, disease, Factors: weather, natural

predation disasters, seasonal cycles
Checkpoint #2
1. An active volcano under the ocean erupts, and the build-up
of cooled lava eventually forms a new island. What type of
succession will immediately occur on the newly formed
island?
A. primary succession C. both primary & secondary
B. secondary succession D. no succession

2. A lack of food prevents further growth in a deer population.

This is an example of a
A. range of tolerance C. phonic zone
B. limiting factor D. biome

3. When populations increase, resource depletion may result in

A. exponential growth C. competition
B. straight-line growth D. increase in predators
 Continued
4. Type of population growth that reaches carrying capacity
is called________.
A. demography C. logistic
B. exponential D. j- shaped
5. An example of a density dependent factor is __________.
A. disease C. weather
B. natural disaster D. seasonal cycles
6. An example of a pioneer specie would be_______.
A. pine trees C. maple trees
B. lichen D. shrub