Population change and its limits

A population grows by births and immigration and shrinks by deaths and emigration, until limiting factors cap it.

A worked example

A herd of 600 with 90 births, 40 deaths, 20 arrivals and 10 departures in a year ends at 600 + 90 - 40 + 20 - 10 = 660.

The mistake people actually make

Movement in and out counts as much as births and deaths. Density-dependent factors such as disease and competition bite harder as crowding rises; a hailstorm does not.

Practice this free