What is a population in terms of biology? Scientists give this definition: it is a certain number of individuals living in the same territory, having a genetic community and the ability to reproduce.
The genetic structure of the population is the main factor that unites individuals of a biological species. This affects not only the reproduction, but also the organization of the production of food, on intraspecific relationships. You can give an example. The scientists decided to find out how the individuals of one species will develop in different conditions. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory. Two broods of locusts were placed in transparent containers. One numbered five individuals, the other five hundred. Initially, the development was identical. Both containers were given the same amount of food. In a small population, insects continued to behave calmly, they were large, non-aggressive. In large - insects all the time experienced difficulties: there was not enough food for everyone, and space was limited. These individuals became much smaller in size Compared with well-fed relatives and very aggressive. They quickly rose to the wing. But the lack of food led to the fact that locusts did not multiply, and many began to get sick. The described experiment clearly demonstrates what a population is and how it varies depending on habitat conditions.
It has been proven by experience that the well-being of a species depends on how successfully the process of reproduction and development of new territories takes place. This is included in the static and dynamic characteristics of the population. The first - talk about how an isolated part of individuals of one species can reproduce itself. The second - about how much the population is able to occupy all the larger territories, and its representatives - to adapt to environmental changes.
What is a population in terms of ecology? This concept is considered, first of all, as a factor influencing the change in the environment. That is, one population of some kind of biological species, which leads life activity in a certain territory, actively influences the changing of living conditions not only of its species, but also of others. An example is the same locust. When its population grows to very large sizes, it grows on the wing, begins to migrate, eating everything in its path. Thus, the growth of populations of one species leads to the destruction of others.
What is a human population as a biological species? This is a very interesting question. Humanity occupies most of the planet's surface. Homo Sapiens refers to those species that most actively change the environment during their life. The human population itself is growing at a fairly rapid rate. And there is a fear that nature will begin to control our reproduction. It has many ways to influence the numbers. This restriction of food resources, fresh water, infectious diseases, which can cause serious epidemics. This, so to speak, natural ways. In addition, there are other factors that affect the emotional and mental state: the intensification of aggression and the struggle for resources.