Population Ecology Homework: Solving for N After Year One

In summary, a flock of 10 Kolea birds accidentally lands on a small island with a tundra habitat in the Aleutian. These birds have an intrinsic growth rate of 1.8 per year and the island has a similar size and climate as other islands with a carrying capacity of 2,000 Kolea birds. Assuming the birds have founded a new population and will return to the island every year, a table can be made with parameters such as population size, intrinsic growth rate, logistical correction, per capita growth rate, and population growth rate. However, the population size for subsequent years is dependent on the carrying capacity (K) of the island, which is not provided in the conversation.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



A flock of 10 Kolea birds going back to its mating grounds in Alaska from Hawaii gets blown off course and lands on a small island in the Aleutian (with no other Kolea birds) that is 25 km2 and has tundra habitat. The birds are known to have an intrinsic growth rate of 1.8 per year. Islands of similar size and climate have a carrying capacity of 2,000 Kolea birds, as the birds do have some territoriality. Make a table with the following parameters assuming that these birds have founded a new population will return here year after year.:

- Population Size (N)
- Intrinsic Growth Rate (r)
- Logistical Correction ([itex]\frac{K-N}{K}[/itex])
- Per Capita Growth Rate (r[itex]\frac{K-N}{K}[/itex])
- Population Growth Rate (rN[itex]\frac{K-N}{K}[/itex])

Homework Equations



Given above in parameters

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't have any issues plugging in values to fill out the first year, but I don't know how one determines the population size (N) of the following years. In this case, I'm stuck at year two and have no idea what the population should be.
 
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  • #2
Depends on what "K" is, I suspect it's the carrying capacity.
 

1. What is population ecology?

Population ecology is a branch of biology that studies the distribution, abundance, and interactions of populations in a given ecosystem. It focuses on understanding the factors that influence population growth and dynamics, such as resources, competition, predation, and environmental conditions.

2. What is the purpose of "Population Ecology Homework: Solving for N After Year One"?

The purpose of this homework assignment is to apply the principles of population ecology to a specific scenario, where we are given information about a population after one year and asked to predict the population size after a certain number of years.

3. How do you solve for N after one year in population ecology?

To solve for N after one year, you will need to use the population growth equation Nt = N0 * (1+r)^t, where Nt is the population size after t years, N0 is the initial population size, and r is the annual growth rate. You will also need to use the information provided in the scenario, such as the initial population size and the annual growth rate, to plug into the equation and solve for Nt.

4. What are some assumptions made in population ecology when solving for N after one year?

Some assumptions made in population ecology when solving for N after one year include: a constant growth rate, a closed population (no immigration or emigration), no significant environmental changes, and no major events (such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters) that could affect the population size. These assumptions help simplify the calculations, but in reality, populations are influenced by a variety of factors and can experience fluctuations and changes over time.

5. Why is it important to understand population ecology and solve for N after one year?

Understanding population ecology and being able to solve for N after one year is important because it allows us to predict and monitor changes in populations over time. This information is crucial for making informed management decisions and ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. It also helps us understand how human activities and environmental changes can impact populations and how we can mitigate these effects.

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