Population
Population refers to the total number of individuals of a particular species in a specific area or region. It is an important concept in ecology and environmental science, as it helps scientists understand the dynamics of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the natural world.
Factors Affecting Population
Several factors can affect the size and growth of a population:
- Birth Rate: The number of births in a population over a specific period of time.
- Death Rate: The number of deaths in a population over a specific period of time.
- Immigration: The movement of individuals into a population.
- Emigration: The movement of individuals out of a population.
- Competition for Resources: Limited resources such as food, water, and shelter can affect population size.
- Predation: The presence of predators can impact the size of a population.
- Disease: The spread of diseases can affect population growth.
Population Growth Models
Scientists use mathematical models to study and predict population growth. Two common models are:
- Exponential Growth: In ideal conditions with unlimited resources, a population will grow exponentially, resulting in a J-shaped curve.
- Logistic Growth: As resources become limited, population growth slows and eventually reaches a carrying capacity, leading to an S-shaped curve.
Human Impact on Populations
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction can have significant impacts on populations of both plant and animal species. Conservation efforts are essential to protect and preserve biodiversity.
Study Guide
Use the following questions to guide your study of population:
- What is population and why is it important in ecology?
- What are the factors that can affect population size and growth?
- Describe the difference between exponential and logistic population growth.
- How do human activities impact populations in the natural world?
- What are some conservation efforts that can help protect populations of species?
[Population] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Third Grade. Relationships among living things
Study Guide
Relationships among living things 
Activity Lesson
Relationships Among Living Things Worksheet/Answer key
Relationships among living things Worksheet/Answer key
Relationships among living things Worksheet/Answer key
Relationships among living things Worksheet/Answer key
Relationships among living things Vocabulary/Answer key
Relationships among living things Vocabulary/Answer key
Relationships among living things
Activity LessonWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
LIFE SCIENCE
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Create representations to explain the unique and diverse life cycles of organisms other than humans (e.g., flowering plants, frogs, butterflies), including commonalities such as birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
Unity and Diversity
Construct an argument from evidence to explain the likelihood of an organism’s ability to survive when compared to the resources in a certain habitat (e.g., freshwater organisms survive well, less well, or not at all in saltwater; desert organisms survive well, less well, or not at all in woodlands).
Create models that illustrate how organisms and their habitats make up a system in which the parts depend on each other.