Population Dynamics

Populations change over time due to many factors/variable. These limiting factors may be classified as: Density dependent and Density independent.

Limiting factors:

• Density dependent
• Biotic factors
• Effects increase as population increases
• Act as negative feedback mechanisms, which function to regulate or stabilize a population size
• Internal Factors
• Act within a species
• Ex. Limited food supply, territory, density dependent fertility
• External factors
• Act between different species
• Ex. Predation and disease

• Density Independent
• In general tend to be abiotic
• Effects are not related with population growth
• Not part of a feedback system
• Weather, climate, volcanic eruptions, floods