Question

You are an aspiring biologist and you want to document the size of a sea turtle population over time. Starting with the vital rates, describe the different factors that will directly impact the size of the population over time (3pts). What else could impact a population (directly and indirectly) size over time (list at least 5 things based on what we have chatted about in class) (7pts).

Answer 1

Answer: Following are the factors which will directly impact the size of the population:

1. Competition for Resources- Resource factors such as availability of water, food, oxygen, etc. are inevitable for the existence of species. If the population density is high enough then the resource availability will be less, and in that scenario Darwin's survival of the fittest rule will come into existence. Lower population density won't pose any resource limitation.

2. Predation- Threat of predation is another serious problem se it directly affects the population size of any organism. Turtles are commonly predated. If this factor persists for long then it will affect their reproductive rate and won't be able to maintain their population density and few may even die.

3. Loss of Habitat- This is the major threat faced my many species. Loss of habitat will disturb organism's homeostasis. This may also lead to deviation in their biological rhythm and their natural processes, which could also related directly to their multiplicative population rate.