Chapter 12: Problem 7

Contrast the terms source population and sink population. What feature(s) of a population define it as being a potential source or \(\operatorname{sink} ?\)

Short Answer

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In summary, the main difference between source populations and sink populations lies in their birth and death rates, as well as the quality of the habitat. Source populations have higher birth rates than death rates, leading to population growth and migration to other habitats. These populations are found in high-quality habitats with abundant resources. On the other hand, sink populations have higher death rates than birth rates, resulting in population decline. These populations are found in poor-quality habitats with limited resources, and they often rely on immigration from source populations to maintain their numbers.

Step by step solution

Define Source Population

A source population is a population within a habitat where the birth rate is higher than the death rate. This results in a net population growth, and individuals from this population may migrate to other habitats, increasing their population numbers.

Define Sink Population

A sink population is a population within a habitat, where the death rate is higher than the birth rate. It leads to a decline in the population size, and the habitat does not contribute to the overall population increase. Sink populations depend on immigration from the source population to maintain or increase their population size.

Key Feature of Source Population

The main feature that defines a population as being a potential source is that the habitat in which it resides has high-quality resources, leading to higher survival and reproductive rates. Consequently, these habitats have a surplus of individuals, contributing to the overall population increase and migration to other habitats.

Key Feature of Sink Population

The feature that defines a population as being a potential sink is that the habitat it resides in has poor-quality resources, leading to lower survival and reproductive rates. The death rate is higher than the birth rate, and the population size declines over time. Sink populations are often sustained by immigrants from source populations.

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Contrast the terms source population and sink population. What feature(s) of a population define it as being a potential source or \(\operatorname{sink} ?\)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define Source Population

Define Sink Population

Key Feature of Source Population

Key Feature of Sink Population

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