Science 11. Module 5.

Population Dynamics
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Module 5: Population Dynamics

Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

5.1 INTRODUCTION

The innate dynamism of living systems is typified through patterns and cycles explained in
Modules 3 and 4, modification of components, adaptations to physiological environments, genetic
regulation, and population dynamics. This module focuses on the latter; providing an understanding of how
populations grow and decline.

It is important to relate population growth to resource use as biogeochemical cycles through

ecosystems influence the rates at which populations of organisms reproduce. In the same manner, the size
and pattern of distribution of populations of organisms influences biogeochemical cycles. Microorganisms,
for instance, are known to be key drivers of global biogeochemical cycles (Madsen, 2011).

The human population, meanwhile, contributes to global change by altering biogeochemical

cycles. Such modifications are partially a function of the growth in size and productivity of the human
population. Population size and productivity are intricately connected through both technologies and socio-
cultural activities that allow us to harness energy as well as feed us (Suarez and Sajise, 2010; Wright,
2005).

By the end of Module 5, you are expected to accomplish the following: 1) study the resources in
this module, and 2) accomplish module’s learning tasks.

5.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying the resources and accomplishing the activities given in this module, you should be able to:

1. identify demographic processes affecting population growth;

2. differentiate factors limiting population growth; and
3. interpret constructed graphs and tables on population dynamics;

5.3 LEARNING ACTIVITIES

It was through Thomas Malthus’ Essay on the Principle of Population in 1798 that the first
theoretical treatment of population dynamics was proposed. At that time, Malthus described populations to
grow logistically under ideal environmental conditions. However, he also mentioned that growth of
populations depended on constant resource supply. The mathematical translation of this concept was made
by Pierre François Verhulst in 1838, forming what is now known as the logistic equation : dN/dt = rN(1-
N/K). In this equation, N represents the population size while r represents the intrinsic rate of increase in a
given time period (t). Meanwhile, K represents the carrying capacity, the total number of individuals of a
population that the finite environment can support (Berryman, 1992).

Alfred Lotka and Vito Volterra upgraded Verhulst’s linear single-species population dynamics
equation to include the effect of another population, i.e. predator interaction. This cycling effect of
predator-prey interaction is illustrated in their dynamics (Figure 5.1).

__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.

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 Science 11. Module 5. Population Dynamics
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Figure 5.1.
Cycling of
predator-
prey

populations.
(lifted without permission Mc Graw Hill Companies)

5.3.1 Demographic Factors

Core to the study of population dynamics is understanding how demographic factors influence
population size. These demographic factors are namely: birth, death, immigration, and emigration.
Members of a population enter this system in two ways. One is through birth and the other through
immigration. Hence, birth and immigration cause increase in population size. In contrast, members of this
living system exit it either through death or emigration. Both demographic processes eventually lead to the
decline in population size.

How demographic factors affect population expansion and shrinking rates can be visualized through life
tables, survivorship curves, and age structures. Life tables are a record of the birth and death rates for
organisms at different life stages. A simplified graphical presentation of elements of the life table is called a
survivorship curve. Lastly, the age structure is literally a “groufie” of a population at a specific moment
in time. Members of this population are clustered according to age and sex categories. Data provided by
these visual records provide useful information on the state of the population.

5.3.2 Population Growth

As with life tables, survivorship curves, and age structures, ecologists think of ways to show or
model how population size changes in size and composition over of time. Modelling population dynamics
mathematically helps to quantify changes occurring in a population and, importantly, to predict future
changes. Describing and predicting future population changes becomes all the more important with the
human population, as the dynamics of our population directly and indirectly exert pressure on other living
systems in the biosphere (Molles, 2010).

The first population growth model represents growth of a population without environmental
resistance factors. These environmental resistance factors are limits to population growth (e.g. predators,
food, mates etc.). This continuous population increase in an unlimited environment is called the
exponential growth model. This pattern of population growth yields a J-shaped curved. However, Module
2 has demonstrated that resources are limited and can be depleted. This causes population growth to
eventually slow down and stop. The part where population growth stops is what is termed as the carrying
capacity of the environment. Carrying capacity is the total number of individuals that the environment can
support. A logistic growth model shows that when resources get diminished, population growth rate will
ultimately plateau (Molles, 2009; Stiling, 2002). And this model produces an S-shaped population growth
curve.

__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.

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 Science 11. Module 5. Population Dynamics
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5.3.2 Population Regulation

According to Molles (2010), environmental checks affect population growth by altering

demographic processes such as birth and death rates. These limits are classified into two types: density-
dependent factors and density-independent factors. Biotic factors like disease and predation which limit
population growth are density-dependent factors. The effects of these factors on birth and death
intensifies as population increases in size. In contrast, density-independent factors are abiotic factors (e.g.
temperature, weather, light intensity etc.) that exert the same influence on the population regardless if the
population is large or small.

Activity 5.1: Mind Mapping Population Dynamics Concept

The following resources discuss population demographics and population growth. Resource 1 presents the
four demographic processes affecting population size (i.e. birth, death, immigration, and emigration).
Furthermore, Resource 1 tackles how populations growth is predicted through two models: exponential and
logistic.

On the other hand, Resource 2 complements Resource 1 by depicting how populations grow and decline
through life tables, survivorship curves and age structures. elate to age structure
Resource 3 elaborates on these using the Philippine population growth as an example.

Meanwhile, Resource 4 will help you differentiate the density-independent and density-dependent limiting
factors to population growth.

Activity 5.1: Take note of your answers to these study questions as you study the learning resources.

1. How do demographic factors affect population size?

2. Are the effects of these factors mutually exclusive?
3. How is population growth depicted?
4. What are applications of knowing limits to population growth?
5. Describe a density-independent factor and explain why its effect on population growth is
independent of population density.
6. How do density-dependent factors limit population growth?

Check the links below to access or download all resources and study them carefully.

Resource 1: Population Dynamics

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3935
Estimated Time Required to View and Study: 15 minutes

Resource 2: Life Tables, Survivorship, & Age- Structure

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-ecology/a/life-tables-
survivorship-age-sex-structure
Estimated Time Required to Read: 5 minutes

Resource 3. Philippine Population Growth

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3934
Estimated Time Required to View and Study: 30 minutes

__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.

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 Science 11. Module 5. Population Dynamics
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Resource 4: Population Regulation

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-growth-and-regulation/a/
mechanisms-of-population-regulation

Activity 5.2: Figure It Out

After studying Resources 1-4, check your understanding of the text and videos by doing the following with
your assigned group:

1. Construct a graph of the population growth of the Philippines. Make use of the data found in:

2. Next, plot the survivorship curve of Filipinos in 2019 using the life-table data of the Philippines.
This information can be accessed through the link below:

If you need a guide on constructing a survivorship curve, you can access this link for a step-by-step
guide.

3. Submit your properly-labelled graphs keeping in mind the guide questions listed below:

3.1 Is your graph of the Philippine population showing exponential or logistic growth?
3.2 What type of survivorship curve does the Philippine population show?
3.3 What do you think are demographic factors influencing the population growth of Filipinos?
3.4 Cite some examples of density-dependent and density independent factors that could
influence (or has influenced) Philippine population growth.

SYNTHESIS

From this module, you should be able to realize the importance and applications of knowing why and how
populations grow and shrink. Such knowledge and understanding can help you relate the complex interwoven
connections between population dynamics and the sustainable use of biological resources. However, keep in mind
that with appreciation comes action too, hence you were asked to address some incendiary questions.

SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Estimated Time to Finish Self-Assessment: 5 minutes

After studying the module resources and accomplishing all the learning tasks for this module, check
whether you were able to do the following:
 identify demographic processes influencing population dynamics
 discuss how population size increases and decreases
 distinguish factors limiting population growth
__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.

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 Science 11. Module 5. Population Dynamics
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 explain the relationship population dynamics with resource use

Multimedia Resources:

Below are multimedia resources (videos, slide presentations, etc.) to help reinforce your learning on Population
Dynamics.

Demographic Transition
(Khan Academy (2014, April 28). Demographic Transition [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P2bsPWCRvM

Manila- 20 Million and Rising

(LeeLee (2012, October 12). Manila 20 Million and Rising [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuDDvYhmCTE

Population Dynamics
(Khan Academy (2014, April 27). Population Dynamics [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CAQN-nc8Ac

Population Ecology
(Bozeman Science (2015, October 1). Population Ecology [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ-CQ3CQE3g

Links:

Resource 1: Population Dynamics

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3935

Resource 2: Life Tables, Survivorship, & Age- Structure

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-ecology/a/life-tables-survivorship-age-sex-
structure

Resource 3. Philippine Population Growth

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3934

Resource 4: Population Regulation

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-growth-and-regulation/a/mechanisms-of-
population-regulation

Resource 5: How to make a mind map Study Tip # 6

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRKyWp6TSm8

Human Population Growth and the Demographic Transition

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781829/

References:

__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.

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Albertin,W., P. Marullo,M. Aigle,C. Dillmann,D, de Vienne,M. Bely, and D.Sicard. 2011. Population Size Drives
Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Alcoholic Fermentation and Is under Genetic Control. Applied and
Environmental Microbiology: 2772–2784.

Berryman, AA. 1992. The origins and evolution of predator-prey theory. Ecology. 73(5): 1530-1535.

Barrion-Dupo ALA, Banaay CGB, Lambio IAF, Maranan FS, Rabena MAF, Flores RJD, Deyto RC, Fajardo AM,
Lit ILJr. 2013. Effect of population density on larval dispersion and pit construction of the antlion,
Myrmeleon angustipennis Banks (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). Asian Journal of Biological
Sciences.vol.6 (2): 31-137.

Bongaarts, J. 2009. Human population growth and the demographic transition. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B (2009) 364,
2985–2990. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0137.

Madsen, E.L. 2011. Microorganisms and their roles in fundamental biogeochemical cycles. Current Opinion in
Biotechnology. 22:456–464.

Molles, M. C. Jr. 2010. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. 5th edition. Boston: WCB/McGraw-Hill. 230-261.

Stiling, P. 2002. Ecology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, pp.66-88.

Suarez, R.K. and P.E. Sajise. 2010. Deforestation, Swidden Agriculture and Philippine Biodiversity. Philip Sci
Letters . 3(1):91-99.

Wright, R.T. 2005. Environmental Science. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall, pp.76-78.

__________________________________________________________________________________
Note that this course pack provided to you in any form is intended only for your use in connection with the course that you are
currently enrolled in. It is not for distribution or sale. Permission should be obtained from you instructor for any use other than
what it is intended.