Population ecologists follow the fate of same-age cohorts to a. determine a population's carrying capacity. b. determine the birth rate and death rate of each group in a population. c. determine if a population is regulated by density-dependent processes. d. determine the factors that affect the size of a population.

Key Concepts

Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support. It is influenced by resource availability, habitat space, and environmental conditions. Understanding carrying capacity is crucial for population ecologists as it helps predict population growth and stability over time.

Cohort Analysis

Cohort analysis involves studying a group of individuals of the same age within a population to track their survival and reproduction over time. This method allows ecologists to assess birth and death rates, which are essential for understanding population dynamics. By analyzing cohorts, researchers can identify trends and make predictions about future population changes.

Density-Dependent Regulation

Density-dependent regulation refers to the processes that affect population growth based on the population's density. Factors such as competition for resources, predation, and disease become more significant as population density increases, often leading to decreased birth rates and increased death rates. Recognizing these processes is vital for ecologists to understand how populations stabilize or decline in response to environmental pressures.