2.1 Ecology
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Fig. 2.1 Exponential versus logistic population growth, Source: Encyclopædia Britannica (2012a)
main challenge experienced in population ecology is the derivation of population
characteristics from individual characteristics (Fig. 2.1).
What is the meaning of derivation in the above sentence? Identify the major
characteristics of the term population.
2.1.3.1 Carrying Capacity
This refers to the maximum number of individual organisms that a specific
environment can sustain during a particular period and is defined in terms of
population, species, time, and space. A population’s carrying capacity can change
during resource fluctuations, such as changes in water levels, nutrients, biotic
interactions, and habitat structure (Daily and Ehrlich 1992). From these elements,
it is defined as the features of a single population, single species at a single place,
and during a single period. Due to the range of factors and potential fluctuations
an environment may experience, it is difficult to measure a true factor for carrying
capacity in an environment.