What is a population in terms of biology and ecology?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

What is a population in terms of biology? Scientists give this definition: this is a certain number of individuals living in the same territory, having a genetic commonality and the ability to reproduce.

The genetic structure of a population is the main factor that unites the individuals of a biological species. This affects not only reproduction, but also the organization of food production, intraspecific relationships. One can give such an example. Scientists decided to find out how individuals of the same species will develop in different conditions. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory. Two locust broods were placed in transparent containers. One numbered five individuals, the other - five hundred. Initially, development proceeded identically. Both containers were given the same amount of food. In a small population, the insects continued to behave calmly, they were large, non-aggressive. In the large one, the insects experienced difficulties all the time: there was not enough food for everyone, and space was limited. These individuals have become much smaller in size by

compared to well-fedrelatives and very aggressive. They quickly took to the wings. But the lack of food led to the fact that the locusts did not begin to multiply, and many began to get sick. The described experiment clearly demonstrates what a population is and how it changes depending on habitat conditions.

Experimentally it has been proven that the well-being of a species depends on how successfully the process of reproduction and development of new territories takes place. This is included in the static and dynamic characteristics of the population. The first - they talk about how a separate part of individuals of one species can reproduce itself. The second is about how the population is able to occupy ever larger territories, and its representatives - to adapt to changes in the environment.

What is a population in terms of ecology? This concept is considered, first of all, as a factor influencing the change in the environment. That is, one population of a biological species, leading life in a certain area, actively influences the change in the living conditions not only of its own species, but also of others. The same locust can serve as an example. When its population increases to a very large size, it becomes on the wing, begins to migrate, eating everything in its path. Thus, the growth of populations of one species leads to the destruction of others.

What is the human population as a biological species? This is a very interesting question. Humanity occupies most of the planet's surface. Homo sapiens is one of those species that most actively changeenvironment during their life. The human population itself is growing at a fairly rapid pace. And there is a fear that nature will begin to control our reproduction. She has many ways to influence the numbers. This is the restriction of food resources, fresh water, infectious diseases that can cause serious epidemics. These are, so to speak, natural ways. In addition, there are other factors that affect the emotional and mental state: increased aggression and the struggle for resources.