Population |
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Population is the number of individuals of a particular species in an area. Animal and plant populations depend on many things for survival. Limiting factors like the availability of food, water, and shelter can impact an organism's population.Limiting FactorsIn nature, populations of animals and plants are linked together like a puzzle. The pieces of the plant and animal puzzle depend on each other to form a complete picture. If something is wrong with any of the pieces, it impacts the whole puzzle. |
Human Factors Humans can impact animal and plant populations. When humans develop land for houses and buildings, they cut down trees and change animal and plant habitats. Some animals, like the raccoon and the skunk, can adapt, but other animals can't adapt and their populations are hurt. Natural FactorsPredator/prey relationships play a big role in animal populations. If the balance between predator and prey is changed, populations are changed. The white-tailed deer population in some areas has grown too large because there are no natural predators. Mountain lions and wolves are the natural predators of the white-tailed deer. Wolf and mountain lion populations have been lowered due to overhunting and habitat loss. This loss of a natural predator for the white-tailed deer, along with other factors, has led to overpopulation of the white-tailed deer in some areas. |