8.4 Effect of Density on Populations

Explain how the density of a population affects and is determined by resource availability in the environment.

• Carrying capacity is the sustainable abundance of a species that can be supported by the ecosystem’s total
• As limits to growth attributable to density-dependent and density-independent factors are imposed, a logistic growth model typically ensues. Relevant equation: Logistical Growth— dN dt rN KN K max= − where dt = change in time N = population size dN = change in population size rmax = maximum per capita growth rate of population K = carrying capacity