Chapter 4, Problem 16STP

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Population relates to an ecosystem.

Introduction:

Ecosystem can be described as the interaction between the abiotic and biotic components of the environment. The abiotic components includes air, water, soil, light energy and minerals. These components are used by the biotic constituents, the plants and animals, to survive. The relationship between the organisms and the abiotic components shapes up the ecosystem.

Explanation of Solution

When over a period of time, a group of individuals of a given species live in specific geographical area, then it is known as population. The individuals make up a population and different populations and their interactions make up the ecosystem.

The living organisms interact with each other and with the abiotic components to form an ecosystem. The different physical and chemical components shape up the ecosystem and govern the type of flora and fauna found within it. The living organisms grow, and reproduce when favorable environmental conditions prevail. The physical and chemical components affect the environment and affect the food and breeding habits of the individuals. As the different factors shape up the life of an individual living organisms adapt to their environment so as to best suited. In turn, during their life span population based on a geographical area, impacts the ecosystem of that area. The different biotic and abiotic factors influence the density, dispersion, and size of a population. Thus, population growth has a significant effect on the ecosystem.

On the other hand, ecosystem also affects the distribution, abundance and growth of the populations. The environments constantly change and natural selection continually sorts out the fittest individuals within the population. It allows populations to respond to changes in physio-chemical environment, diseases, predators and competitions.

Conclusion

Different types of variations in population from different geographical areas exhibit variations. The variations in ecosystem affect the breeding frequency, pattern of growth and offspring production in individuals of a population. These changes have profound effects on the dynamics of population and ecosystem.