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Chapter 4: Problem 3

Differentiate between the terms critical number and carrying capacity. What is density dependence?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The 'critical number' is the minimum population size needed to prevent extinction whereas the 'carrying capacity' is the maximum population size that an environment can sustain over the long-term without degradation. 'Density dependence' refers to the situation when the growth rate of a population is regulated by its own density.

Step by step solution

01

Defining 'Critical Number'

Critical number of a species in a particular ecosystem refers to the minimum population size that must be maintained to prevent the species from becoming extinct. It depends on the life history and behavior of the species. An incorrect critical number estimation can lead to a misunderstanding of the species’ actual risk of extinction.
02

Defining 'Carrying Capacity'

The carrying capacity of an environment refers to the maximum number of individuals from a species that this environment is able to sustain in the long-term without degrading. It may change over time based on environmental conditions and is subject to limitations such as available food, habitat, presence of predators, and disease.
03

Differentiating Between 'Critical Number' and 'Carrying Capacity'

The 'critical number' and 'carrying capacity' both relate to a species population in an ecosystem, but they're different. The first refers to the minimum viable population, while the latter is about the maximum population an environment can support without degradation.
04

Defining 'Density Dependence'

Density dependence refers to when the growth rate of a population is regulated by the density of that population. This means that the death rate and/or birth rate changes as the size of the population changes. As an example, food shortage could increase the death rate or decrease the birth rate as the population size increases.

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