Introduction-to-Population-Ecology-1.pdf

Introduction to Population Ecology Definition and scope Historical development of population ecology Importance in ecological studies and conservation Let us pray! S t a n d u p ! a n d l e t ’s energize our selves!  Mechanics:...

Introduction to Population Ecology Definition and scope Historical development of population ecology Importance in ecological studies and conservation Let us pray! S t a n d u p ! a n d l e t ’s energize our selves!  Mechanics: The class will count from 1 to 369 Game 10 Instead of saying Let's see how quick your wits are! the numbers 3, 6 & 9 you have to clap when its your turn. Lose your turn, and it’s quiz time for you! If the rat is to prey, then the snake is to __________. If the bee is to a pollinator, then the flower is to __________.  If the plant is to producer, then the herbivore is to __________. What is Population Ecology? is the branch of ecology that studies the dynamics of populations of organisms, particularly the factors that influence population size, density, and distribution over time and space. It examines how populations interact with their environment and how these interactions affect their survival and reproduction.  What is the scope of Population Ecology? The study of population ecology focuses on the number of individuals in an area and how and why population size changes over time. This includes: Study of changes in population size and composition over time. Population Dynamics Birth rate Death rate Immigration Emigration This includes: Patterns of spatial Population Distribution distribution Clumped Random Uniformed This includes: Interactions with other Population Interactions species Mutualism Commensalism Predation Parasitism This includes: Application of population ecology principles in conservation efforts. Conservation and Management Strategies for managing endangered species and habitats. Historical development of Population Ecology  EARLY FOUNDATIONS: Thomas Malthus (1798) is a naturalist whose early observations on population growth and resource limits. Malthusian theory: Populations grow exponentially while resources grow arithmetically, leading to competition and a struggle for survival.  1920s-1930s: Development of population biology as a formal field. Alfred Lotka and Vladimir Volterra formulated mathematical models of population dynamics and predator-prey interactions such as intraspecific and intraspecific competitions (Lotka- Volterra equations).  1950s-1960s: The rise of Robert MacArthur and E.O. Wilson in studying ecological niches and species interactions. They published a book “Theory of Island Biogeography” which explains that the biodiversity and number of species inhabiting an island is impacted by the island's land size and degree of isolation Emergence of the “New Ecology” with emphasis on quantitative methods and statistical approaches.  2000s-Present: Integration of genetic and genomic tools to study population genetics and evolutionary dynamics. Advances in computer modeling and big data to predict population trends and impacts of environmental change. Focus on human impacts and climate change effects on population dynamics. Importance in Ecological studies and Conservation Applications in Ecological studies and Conservation Understanding Population Dynamics By studying factors like birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns, conservationists can develop strategies to protect and manage wildlife populations, such as creating wildlife reserves or implementing breeding programs. The release of “ Uswag ” as part of the conservation efforts of Philippine Eagle Foundation Applications in Ecological studies and Conservation Invasive species management When non-native species are introduced to new environments, population ecology helps predict their potential impacts on local ecosystems. This knowledge guides efforts to control or eradicate invasive species before they cause significant ecological damage. Applications in Ecological studies and Conservation Climate change studies Population ecology examines how climate change affects species populations, including shifts in distribution, changes in reproduction rates, and alterations in survival. This information helps predict future ecological changes and guides adaptive management strategies. Applications in Ecological studies and Conservation Behavioral studies By studying population dynamics, researchers can gain insights into species behavior, such as migration patterns, mating systems, and territoriality. This information contributes to a deeper understanding of ecological interactions and species survival strategies. Conclusion Population Ecology examines how populations interact with their environment, influencing size, density, and distribution. The scope of population ecology, including dynamics, distribution, interactions, and conservation. Historical progress from Malthus’s early theories to modern advancements in genetic tools and big data has expanded our understanding. Population ecology is crucial for understanding and controlling species populations and their interactions with the environment, which benefits conservation, resource management, and ecological sustainability.  References Holt, R. D., & Turchin, P. (2021). Population Ecology: Recent Advances and Future Directions. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 52, 35-57. Smith, J. A., & Jones, L. R. (2022). Principles of Population Ecology. Cambridge University Press. Primack, R. B. (2014). Essentials of Conservation Biology (6th ed.). Sinauer Associates. Simberloff, D. (2003). "Conservation and disservices of invasive species." Conservation Biology, 17(1), 30-32. DOI:10.1046/j.1523-1739.2003.02010.x Sutherland, W. J., & Belovsky, G. (1990). Behavioral Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach. Blackwell Scientific Publications. Parmesan, C., & Yohe, G. (2003). "A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems." Nature, 421(6918), 37-42. DOI:10.1038/nature01286 Wa t c h t h i s movie