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Population Dynamics

Definition

The study of how populations change over time due to various factors including birth rates, death rates, immigration, emigration, and migration patterns.

Analogy

Population dynamics is like watching the waves at the beach. Just as waves rise and fall with different intensities over time due to changing wind patterns and ocean currents, population numbers fluctuate based on birth rates, death rates, migration patterns, and other factors.

Related terms

Demographics: Statistical characteristics of human populations such as age distribution, gender ratio, ethnic composition etc., which can have significant impacts on population dynamics.

Population Growth Rate: The rate at which a population increases (or decreases) over a specific period of time. It is determined by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate and accounting for net migration.

Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support over a long period of time. It is influenced by factors such as food availability, resources, and environmental conditions.