Question

Define population. Discuss different attributes of population.

Hint:

Population attributes = Density, Natality, Mortality, Age distribution, Sex ratio, Growth, Dispersal.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition.
A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific geographic area at a given time, capable of interbreeding and sharing the same gene pool.

Step 2: Attributes of population.
Populations, unlike individuals, are characterized by certain attributes: \[\begin{array}{rl} 1. & \text{Population density: Number of individuals per unit area or volume (e.g., trees per hectare).} \\ 2. & \text{Natality (Birth rate): Number of births per unit population per unit time. Increases population size.} \\ 3. & \text{Mortality (Death rate): Number of deaths per unit population per unit time. Decreases population size.} \\ 4. & \text{Age distribution: Proportion of individuals in pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive stages. Determines future growth.} \\ 5. & \text{Sex ratio: Ratio of males to females in the population, affecting reproductive potential.} \\ 6. & \text{Population growth forms: Includes exponential growth (J-shaped curve) and logistic growth (S-shaped curve).} \\ 7. & \text{Population dispersal: Movement of individuals into (immigration) or out of (emigration) the population.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclusion.
These attributes help ecologists study population dynamics, predict growth, and understand ecological balance.