1. Overpopulation Affects on Ecosystems

2. OverpopulationKey Ideas Overpopulation occurs when too many organisms, in relation to available resources, are located in one area. Overpopulation occurs when too many organisms, in relation to available resources, are located in one area. Organisms in overpopulated areas do not survive in a healthy state because of reduced food and shelter.. Organisms in overpopulated areas do not survive in a healthy state because of reduced food and shelter..

3. Too large a population can use up all necessary resources, causing any remaining organisms to die. Too large a population can use up all necessary resources, causing any remaining organisms to die. Migration of individuals away from overpopulated areas can reduce overpopulation. Migration of individuals away from overpopulated areas can reduce overpopulation.

4. Real World Application Count the number of students in the class. Count the number of students in the class. - How many would there be if each person grew by 2? 4? 8? - How many would there be if each person grew by 2? 4? 8? - Would everyone be able to have a seat? - Would everyone be able to have a seat? - What affect would these numbers have on the people in the room? - What affect would these numbers have on the people in the room?

5. Is there enough food? Assume that the cafeteria has just enough food for the current size of the class. What would happen if four times the number of students went there for lunch? Who would get food? Who would not? How would the cafeteria staff handle the shortage? Assume that the cafeteria has just enough food for the current size of the class. What would happen if four times the number of students went there for lunch? Who would get food? Who would not? How would the cafeteria staff handle the shortage?

6. True or False? The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world. Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world.

7. Reality The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. Reality: Overpopulation can refer to any species which is overusing its resource base, not just humans. Reality: Overpopulation can refer to any species which is overusing its resource base, not just humans. Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world. Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world. - Reality: Any area of the world can become overpopulated. - Reality: Any area of the world can become overpopulated.