Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

50. Population Ecology

Introduction to Population Ecology

General Biology

50. Population Ecology

Introduction to Population Ecology

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2:10 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

To figure out the human population density of your community, you would need to know the number of people living there and
a. The land area in which they live
b. The birth rate of the population
c. The dispersion pattern of the population
d. The carrying capacity

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of population density: Population density is defined as the number of individuals living in a specific area divided by the size of that area. It is typically expressed as individuals per unit area.

Identify the key variables needed to calculate population density: You need the total number of people living in the community and the total land area they occupy.

Eliminate irrelevant options: The birth rate (option b) refers to the number of births per unit time and does not directly relate to population density. The dispersion pattern (option c) describes how individuals are distributed within the area but does not provide a numerical value for density. The carrying capacity (option d) refers to the maximum population size an environment can sustain, which is unrelated to the current density calculation.

Focus on the correct variable: The land area (option a) is the relevant factor because population density is calculated as the number of people divided by the land area they occupy.

Conclude that to calculate the human population density of your community, you need the number of people living there and the land area in which they live (option a).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Population Density

Population density is a measure of the number of individuals living in a given area, typically expressed as people per square kilometer or mile. It provides insight into how crowded or sparse a community is, which can influence resource availability, social dynamics, and urban planning.

Land Area

Land area refers to the total surface area of a specific region where the population resides. It is a critical factor in calculating population density, as the number of individuals is divided by the land area to determine how densely populated an area is.

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the habitat. Understanding carrying capacity helps in assessing whether a population is living within its means or if it is at risk of overpopulation and resource depletion.