Module 5: Population Dynamics

Aimee Lynn A. Barrion-Dupo

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The innate dynamism of living systems is typified through patterns and
cycles explained in Modules 3 and 4, modification of components, adaptations to
physiological environments, genetic regulation, and population dynamics. This
module focuses on the latter; providing an understanding of how populations
grow and decline.
It is important to relate population growth to resource use as
biogeochemical cycles through ecosystems influence the rates at which
populations of organisms reproduce. In the same manner, the size and pattern of
distribution of populations of organisms influences biogeochemical cycles.
Microorganisms, for instance, are known to be key drivers of global
biogeochemical cycles (Madsen, 2011).
The human population, meanwhile, contributes to global change by
altering biogeochemical cycles. Such modifications are partially a function of the
growth in size and productivity of the human population. Population size and
productivity are intricately connected through both technologies and socio-
cultural activities that allow us to harness energy as well as feed us (Suarez and
Sajise, 2010; Wright, 2005).
By the end of Module 5, you are expected to accomplish the following: 1)
study the resources in this module, and 2) accomplish module’s learning tasks.
5.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying the resources and accomplishing the activities given in this
module, you should be able to:

1. identify demographic processes affecting population growth;

2. differentiate factors limiting population growth; and
3. interpret constructed graphs and tables on population dynamics;

5.3 LEARNING ACTIVITIES

It was through Thomas Malthus’ Essay on the Principle of Population in

1798 that the first theoretical treatment of population dynamics was proposed. At
that time, Malthus described populations to grow logistically under ideal
environmental conditions. However, he also mentioned that growth of
populations depended on constant resource supply. The mathematical
translation of this concept was made by Pierre François Verhulst in 1838, forming
what is now known as the logistic equation : dN/dt = rN(1-N/K). In this equation,
 N represents the population size while r represents the intrinsic rate of increase
in a given time period (t). Meanwhile, K represents the carrying capacity, the total
number of individuals of a population that the finite environment can support
(Berryman, 1992).
Alfred Lotka and Vito Volterra upgraded Verhulst’s linear single-species
population dynamics equation to include the effect of another population, i.e.
predator interaction. This cycling effect of predator-prey interaction is illustrated
in their dynamics (Figure 5.1).

Figure 5.1. Cycling of predator-prey populations.

(lifted without permission Mc Graw Hill Companies)

5.3.1 Demographic Factors

Core to the study of population dynamics is understanding how

demographic factors influence population size. These demographic factors are
namely: birth, death, immigration, and emigration. Members of a population
enter this system in two ways. One is through birth and the other through
immigration. Hence, birth and immigration cause increase in population size. In
contrast, members of this living system exit it either through death or emigration.
Both demographic processes eventually lead to the decline in population size.

How demographic factors affect population expansion and shrinking rates

can be visualized through life tables, survivorship curves, and age structures.
Life tables are a record of the birth and death rates for organisms at different life
stages. A simplified graphical presentation of elements of the life table is called a
survivorship curve. Lastly, the age structure is literally a “groufie” of a
population at a specific moment in time. Members of this population are clustered
 according to age and sex categories. Data provided by these visual records
provide useful information on the state of the population.

5.3.2 Population Growth

As with life tables, survivorship curves, and age structures, ecologists

think of ways to show or model how population size changes in size and
composition over of time. Modelling population dynamics mathematically helps to
quantify changes occurring in a population and, importantly, to predict future
changes. Describing and predicting future population changes becomes all the
more important with the human population, as the dynamics of our population
directly and indirectly exert pressure on other living systems in the biosphere
(Molles, 2010).

The first population growth model represents growth of a population

without environmental resistance factors. These environmental resistance
factors are limits to population growth (e.g. predators, food, mates etc.). This
continuous population increase in an unlimited environment is called the
exponential growth model. This pattern of population growth yields a J-shaped
curved. However, Module 2 has demonstrated that resources are limited and can
be depleted. This causes population growth to eventually slow down and stop.
The part where population growth stops is what is termed as the carrying
capacity of the environment. Carrying capacity is the total number of individuals
that the environment can support. A logistic growth model shows that when
resources get diminished, population growth rate will ultimately plateau (Molles,
2009; Stiling, 2002). And this model produces an S-shaped population growth
curve.

5.3.2 Population Regulation

According to Molles (2010), environmental checks affect population

growth by altering demographic processes such as birth and death rates. These
limits are classified into two types: density-dependent factors and density-
independent factors. Biotic factors like disease and predation which limit
population growth are density-dependent factors. The effects of these factors
on birth and death intensifies as population increases in size. In contrast,
density-independent factors are abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, weather, light
intensity etc.) that exert the same influence on the population regardless if the
population is large or small.

Activity 1: Mind Mapping Population Dynamics Concept

Estimated Time to Finish Task 1: 90 minutes

The following resources discuss population demographics and population

growth. Resource 1 presents the four demographic processes affecting
population size (i.e. birth, death, immigration, and emigration). Furthermore,
Resource 1 tackles how populations growth is predicted through two models:
exponential and logistic.

On the other hand, Resource 2 complements Resource 1 by depicting how

populations grow and decline through life tables, survivorship curves and age
structures. elate to age structure
Resource 3 elaborates on these using the Philippine population growth as an
example.

Meanwhile, Resource 4 will help you differentiate the density-independent and

density-dependent limiting factors to population growth.

Take note of your answers to these study questions as you study the learning
resources. You will have to go back to these again at the last part of Activities 2
and 3.

1. How do demographic factors affect population size?

2. Are the effects of these factors mutually exclusive?
3. How is population growth depicted?
4. What are applications of knowing limits to population growth?
5. Describe a density-independent factor and explain why its effect on
population growth is independent of population density.
6. How do density-dependent factors limit population growth?

Click the links below to access or download all resources and study them
carefully.

Resource 1: Population Dynamics

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3935
Estimated Time Required to View and Study: 15 minutes

Resource 2: Life Tables, Survivorship, & Age- Structure

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-
ecology/a/life-tables-survivorship-age-sex-structure
Estimated Time Required to Read: 5 minutes

Resource 3. Philippine Population Growth

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3934
Estimated Time Required to View and Study: 30 minutes

Resource 4: Population Regulation

 Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-growth-
and-regulation/a/mechanisms-of-population-regulation
Estimated Time Required to Read: 5 minutes

Visually organize what you have learned from Resources 1-4 into a mind map.
First identify a central idea from the resources you studied. Next, create links or
associations to this central idea by adding branches to your central idea. When
you are done with your mind map, partner with someone in class and discuss
your mind map.

Resource 5: How to make a mind map Study Tip # 6

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRKyWp6TSm8
Estimated Time Required to View: 1:40 minutes

Activity 2: Think Pair Share (bridge with Resources 1-4 application)

Estimated Time to Finish Task 1: 30 minutes

Read the following population cases:

https://commons.wiki Case 1. You happened to observe a population of

media.org/wiki/File:Dr
aco_volans.jpg
the Philippine flying lizards, Draco volans thriving
in the mulberry trees. One day, you noticed that
the number of adults has increased and is higher
than previously observed. What could explain
this?

Case 2. It is the start of the rainy season. The

grassy areas near your dorm have been flooded
and odorous ants (Tapinoma sessile) living there
started to take refuge inside dorms—including
yours. In sheer panic, you try setting up sticky
traps. After some, time, you noticed that nothing
was happening. You tried plotting the population
growth curve of this ant species to determine if https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Od
the orous_house_ant_(17434366603).jpg

traps are working. You ended up with the

exponential phase of a logistic curve. What can
you infer from your graph?
 Case 3. During sembreak, you observed
rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in the field
near your home. You noticed that while there
are many rats, you rarely observed any
reproductive females. What can you infer
from this observation?

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Rattus_norvegicus#/media
/File:Rattus_norvegicus_2.jpg

Write down your explanation on each

case topic prior to the discussions.
Next, pair up with a partner. You may
also work with your initial partner whom
you have discussed your mind map
with. Discuss and share your ideas on these cases with your partner.

Activity 3: Figure It Out

Estimated Time to Finish Task 1: 50 minutes

After studying Resources 1-4, check your understanding of the text and
videos by doing the following with your assigned group:

1. Construct a graph of the population growth of the Philippines. Make

use of the data found in:
https://web.archive.org/web/20120704171010/http://www.nscb.gov.
ph/secstat/d_popn.asp

2. Next, plot the survivorship curve of Filipinos in 2000 using the life-
table data of the Philippines. This information can be accessed
through the link below:
http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.LT62150?lang=en.
Your may also request your professor for an excel file of this.

3. If you need a guide on constructing a survivorship curve, you can

access this link for a step-by-step guide :
http://www.afrc.uamont.edu/whited/Life%20tables,%20survivorship
%20curves,%20and%20popuation%20growth.pdf
NOTE: If you do not have access to the internet, your professor can
provide you with electronic and hard copies of these materials.

4. The following meeting, your group will present properly-labelled

graphs keeping in mind the guide questions listed below:

3.1 Is your graph of the Philippine population showing

exponential or logistic growth?

3.2 What type of survivorship curve does the Philippine

population show?

3.3 What do you think are demographic factors influencing

the population growth of Filipinos?

3.4 Cite some examples of density-dependent and density

independent factors that could influence (or has
influenced) Philippine population growth.

3.5 When do you think will a population collapse?

 Scoring Rubric for Task 1: Figure It Out

Categories Yes Partly No Remarks

(2 pts) (1 pt) (0 pt)
Comprehension
1. Discussion reflects a good perception of key
ideas from the module and resources
2. Discussion connects the topic to related
ideas
and concepts
Presentation of Graphs
1. Graphs are clearly, concisely presented
2. Graphs are neat and properly labelled
Interpretation of Graphs
1. Related data to module concept clearly
2. Described and evaluated trends observed
from the data plotted
Etiquette
1. The group responds to their peers' questions
courteously
2. The group displays a openess to consider
novel and even contradictory ideas
Communication Skills
1. Data presentation and discussion is
presented in correct, academic language
2. Data presentation display minimal grammar,
spelling errors
Sub-total

SYNTHESIS

From this module, you should be able to realize the importance and applications of
knowing why and how populations grow and shrink. Such knowledge and understanding
can help you relate the complex interwoven connections between population dynamics
and the sustainable use of biological resources. However, keep in mind that with
appreciation comes action too, hence you were asked to address some incendiary
questions.

SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Estimated Time to Finish Self-Assessment: 5 minutes
 After studying the module resources and accomplishing all the learning tasks for
this module, check whether you were able to do the following:
€ identify demographic processes influencing population dynamics
€ discuss how population size increases and decreases
€ distinguish factors limiting population growth
€ explain the relationship population dynamics with resource use

Multimedia Resources:

Below are multimedia resources (videos, slide presentations, etc.) to help reinforce your
learning on Population Dynamics.

Demographic Transition
(Khan Academy (2014, April 28). Demographic Transition [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P2bsPWCRvM

Manila- 20 Million and Rising

(LeeLee (2012, October 12). Manila 20 Million and Rising [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuDDvYhmCTE

Population Dynamics
(Khan Academy (2014, April 27). Population Dynamics [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CAQN-nc8Ac

Population Ecology
(Bozeman Science (2015, October 1). Population Ecology [Video file].)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ-CQ3CQE3g

Links:

Resource 1: Population Dynamics

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3935

Resource 2: Life Tables, Survivorship, & Age- Structure

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-ecology/a/life-
tables-survivorship-age-sex-structure

Resource 3. Philippine Population Growth

Link: http://tvup.ph/?p=3934

Resource 4: Population Regulation

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/ecology/population-growth-and-
regulation/a/mechanisms-of-population-regulation

Resource 5: How to make a mind map Study Tip # 6

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRKyWp6TSm8

Human Population Growth and the Demographic Transition

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781829/

References:

1) Albertin,W., P. Marullo,M. Aigle,C. Dillmann,D, de Vienne,M. Bely, and D.Sicard.

2011. Population Size Drives Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Alcoholic
Fermentation and Is under Genetic Control. Applied and Environmental
Microbiology: 2772–2784.

2) Berryman, AA. 1992. The origins and evolution of predator-prey theory. Ecology.
73(5): 1530-1535.

3) Barrion-Dupo ALA, Banaay CGB, Lambio IAF, Maranan FS, Rabena MAF, Flores
RJD, Deyto RC, Fajardo AM, Lit ILJr. 2013. Effect of population density on
larval dispersion and pit construction of the antlion, Myrmeleon angustipennis
Banks (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae). Asian Journal of Biological
Sciences.vol.6(2): 31-137.

4) Bongaarts, J. 2009. Human population growth and the demographic transition. Phil.
Trans. R. Soc. B (2009) 364, 2985–2990. doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0137.

5) Madsen, E.L. 2011. Microorganisms and their roles in fundamental biogeochemical

cycles. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 22:456–464.

6) Molles, M. C. Jr. 2010. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. 5 th edition. Boston:

WCB/McGraw-Hill. 230-261.

7) Stiling, P. 2002. Ecology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, pp.66-88.

8) Suarez, R.K. and P.E. Sajise. 2010. Deforestation, Swidden Agriculture and
Philippine
Biodiversity. Philip Sci Letters . 3(1):91-99.

9) Wright, R.T. 2005. Environmental Science. Upper Saddle River, N.J.:

Pearson/Prentice Hall, pp.76-78.