Population Dynamics and Space Availability ( ) Introduction We have already examined how initial population size affects how quickly a population can grow and how limited food limits population size. If you need a review of this material, please look over the material presented earlier in the module. We are going to use what we learned earlier to examine how space availability can constrain populations. Much like food, space is necessary for an organism to function. If space is limited, individuals in a population have to compete for it. In this portion of the module, we will design and execute an experiment to examine how space availability influences the dynamics of a fruit fly population. Hypothesis Forming Since we are aiming to observe how limitations on space alter a population’s dynamics, we should form a hypothesis as to what the relationship may be. Of the following hypotheses, which makes the most sense building on what you know about the importance of space? Why? Populations with more space will grow to a smaller size and less quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a smaller size and more quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a larger size and less quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a larger size and more quickly than similar populations with less space available. Experimental Design To test our hypothesis, we must design an experiment that varies our independent variable and allows us to quantify our dependent variable. Our independent variable (amount of space available) must vary across the experimental trials, and the dependent variables (rate of population growth and size of the population) can then be assessed. All other variables should be held constant across the trials. For the following variables explain how you would keep them constant across trials: Food Availability Water Availability Temperature Light Exposure In this experiment, we are going to use a portion of data you have already collected. From the portion of the module concerning pupation rates, please gather both the raw data as well as the Joinpoint graph for the initial population of four adults. You will notice that the following procedure is very similar to the one from earlier in the module, with the exception that the vials are larger and you only use one initial population size.
Population Dynamics and Space Availability ( ) Introduction We have already examined how initial population size affects how quickly a population can grow and how limited food limits population size. If you need a review of this material, please look over the material presented earlier in the module. We are going to use what we learned earlier to examine how space availability can constrain populations. Much like food, space is necessary for an organism to function. If space is limited, individuals in a population have to compete for it. In this portion of the module, we will design and execute an experiment to examine how space availability influences the dynamics of a fruit fly population. Hypothesis Forming Since we are aiming to observe how limitations on space alter a population’s dynamics, we should form a hypothesis as to what the relationship may be. Of the following hypotheses, which makes the most sense building on what you know about the importance of space? Why? Populations with more space will grow to a smaller size and less quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a smaller size and more quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a larger size and less quickly than similar populations with less space available. Populations with more space will grow to a larger size and more quickly than similar populations with less space available. Experimental Design To test our hypothesis, we must design an experiment that varies our independent variable and allows us to quantify our dependent variable. Our independent variable (amount of space available) must vary across the experimental trials, and the dependent variables (rate of population growth and size of the population) can then be assessed. All other variables should be held constant across the trials. For the following variables explain how you would keep them constant across trials: Food Availability Water Availability Temperature Light Exposure In this experiment, we are going to use a portion of data you have already collected. From the portion of the module concerning pupation rates, please gather both the raw data as well as the Joinpoint graph for the initial population of four adults. You will notice that the following procedure is very similar to the one from earlier in the module, with the exception that the vials are larger and you only use one initial population size.
3-Population%20Dynamics%20and%20Space%20Availability.docx