Population ecology

Science

Definition

Population ecology is the branch of ecology that studies how populations of organisms interact with their environment and what factors regulate population size, density, and distribution. It uses mathematical models to predict how populations will change over time.

Examples

  • Studying how salmon populations respond to dam construction
  • Tracking the recovery of bald eagle populations after DDT was banned
  • Modeling how disease spreads through a prairie dog colony

Related Terms

Population dynamics Population growth Carrying capacity Community ecology

Study This Concept

Practice population ecology with free review games in these units:

AP Biology Unit 8: Ecology