Differentiate between population density and population distribution.
Population density is the number of individuals in a population per unit area. Population distribution is the pattern in which individuals in a population are dispersed in an area.
Name the three types of population distribution, describe each, and explain the conditions that govern each.
The three types of population distribution are uniform, random, and clumped. Uniform distribution is rare; individuals are evenly spaced because of fierce competition for resources. In random distribution, some individuals are close together and others are spread apart; this occurs when sufficient resources are available. In clumped distribution, individuals are clustered around patchy resources, making it the most common type of distribution.
Explain how birth rate, immigration, death rate, and emigration affect population growth.
Birth rate and immigration increase population size because they add individuals. Death rate and emigration decrease population size because they remove individuals. Population growth = (birth rate + immigration) - (death rate + emigration).
Differentiate between density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors and give at least two examples from the lesson of each.
Density-dependent limiting factors depend on population size and include disease, parasites, competition for food, water, and shelter, and predation. Density-independent limiting factors affect populations regardless of population size and include natural disasters, climate, and human activity.
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