Chapter 45, Problem 1VCQ

Figure 45.2 As this graph shows, population density typically decreases with increasing body size. Why do you think this is the case?

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The reason for the decrease in the population density with increasing body size.

Introduction:

Population refers to the all the inhabitants of a particular place which include the communities of plants, animals, and humans among whose members interbreeding occurs. Population fluctuates based on a number of factors. The statistical study of the population dynamics is called the demography.

Explanation of Solution

Population is characterized by its population size (N) and its population density. Population size refers to the total number of individuals whereas, population density is the number of individuals within a particular area. Smaller animals require less food and other resources for their survival. This leads to less competition among the resources and the environment supports smaller animals. With the increasing body size, the food and other requirements also increase in the specific area leading to the decrease in the number of individuals within the area and thus decrease in the population density.

Conclusion

Thus, the growing needs of the population showing increasing body size affect the population density due to the decrease of the resources in the particular area.