1. Wildlife Biology Population Characteristics

2. Wildlife populations are dynamic – Populations increase and decrease in numbers due to a variety of factors

3. Population Characteristics Take a guess: what are some reasons why a wildlife population might increase or decrease in size? Discuss at your table and see if you can come up with a couple reasons.

4. Population Characteristics There are three important characteristics that determine wildlife populations – Geographic distribution (where are they located?) – Density (how many are packed into an area?) – Growth rate – births, deaths, immigration, emigration

5. Population Characteristics Geographic distribution: Which deer have better distribution? Why?

6. Population Characteristics Density: If you were a wolf pack, which location might be better for your pack? Why? A B

7. Population Characteristics Growth rate: good or bad?

8. Population Characteristics Growth rate: good or bad?

9. Population Characteristics

10. Growth rate: good or bad?

11. Population Characteristics Growth rate: good or bad?

12. Population Characteristics There are several limits to population growth – Populations are kept in control by resources they need to survive and predators Limiting factors – resources like food, water, shelter Predators – animals that prey on the species Human influence – what do we do to help or hurt?