Assignments
BIOL 3030 |
1.
Simulate what would happen to these 2 populations over the next 20
years.
Calculate the parameters and plot the growth of these
populations.
Then briefly compare and contrast the growth of these populations
over the 20 year period. If there are any differences in patterns
of growth among these 2 populations, explain why these differences
occur. Discuss the relative importance of birth rate and death rate in
determining the growth of these populations over the 20 year period. |
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2. Given the low population abundances in
these 2
populations, population biologists are considering 2 possible
approaches to try to enhance long-term population growth (i.e. for the
next 50 years). The first
option involves capturing 400 penguins from a third, larger population
and
transplanting
200 into each of these 2 small populations. This could only be
carried
out once to avoid depressing the third population. The second
option
is to patrol the area more frequently to reduce disturbances by
tourists and poachers as well as pollution
effects on the populations such that the penguin populations have a
lower mortality rate. Funding will only allow for one option to
be carried out. Which option would you recommend?
Using the basic models of population growth, would you expect either of
these 2 options to be effective in providing for a long term increase
in these penguin
populations? Explain.
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