March 12

Studying Populations & Population Dynamics 🦓🌱

📅 Lesson Overview:
Today, we explored how scientists study populations, what factors affect population size, and how populations change over time. Using guided notes and real-world examples, students learned how ecologists estimate and track populations in different ecosystems.

📝 What We Covered:

1️⃣ How Scientists Measure Populations

• Direct Observation – Counting all members of a population.

• Indirect Observation – Estimating population size based on signs of organisms (e.g., nests, tracks).

• Sampling – Counting organisms in a small area and multiplying to estimate the larger population.

• Mark and Recapture – Tagging and releasing animals, then recapturing a sample to estimate population size.

2️⃣ Factors That Affect Population Size

• Birth Rate – Number of organisms born over a period of time.

• Death Rate – Number of organisms that die over a period of time.

• Immigration – When organisms move into a population.

• Emigration – When organisms move out of a population.

• Limiting Factors – Environmental conditions that restrict population growth (e.g., food, water, space, weather, predators).

3️⃣ Carrying Capacity & Population Density

• Population Density – The number of individuals per unit of space.

• Carrying Capacity – The maximum number of individuals an environment can support due to limiting factors.

4️⃣ Real-World Examples

• Zebra Population Study in Kenya – Students analyzed how zebra populations have changed over 100 years due to habitat loss, predation, and climate changes.

• Wolves in Yellowstone – Examined how the reintroduction of wolves impacted elk populations and balanced the ecosystem.

📌 Activity Details:

✅ Guided Notes & PowerPoint Lesson – Discussed population measurement and limiting factors.
✅ Practice Problems – Estimated population sizes using sampling, mark and recapture, and density calculations.
✅ Real-Life Case Studies – Applied concepts to ecosystems like savannas, forests, and national parks.

🌍 Why This Matters:

Understanding population dynamics helps scientists manage wildlife conservation, environmental policies, and endangered species protection. Changes in populations affect entire ecosystems, food chains, and biodiversity.

✅ Great job learning how scientists track and study populations! Be ready to apply these concepts in future ecology activities. 🌎📊✨