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Q10:
List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
Solution :
Definition of Population Attributes
A population is defined as a group of individuals of the same species occupying a specific geographical area at a given time, sharing or competing for similar resources, and potentially interbreeding. Unlike an individual, a population possesses unique attributes that emerge from the collective statistics of its members. The three critical characteristics are Population Density, Natality/Mortality (Birth and Death Rates), and Age Distribution.
Step 1: Population Density ($N$)
Population density is a quantitative measure of the number of individuals of a species per unit area or volume at a given time. It is the most vital metric for assessing the success of a species in a habitat.
- Formula: $D = \frac{N}{S}$, where $N$ is the total number of individuals and $S$ is the space (area/volume).
- Significance: It reflects the population's interaction with the environment, resource availability, and potential for competition. High density often triggers density-dependent factors such as increased disease transmission or resource depletion [Per the Principle of Density-Dependent Population Regulation].
Step 2: Natality and Mortality
These metrics define the dynamic change in population size over a specific period.
| Characteristic | Definition | Mathematical Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Natality (Birth Rate) | Number of births per capita per unit time. | $B = \frac{\Delta N_b}{N \cdot \Delta t}$ |
| Mortality (Death Rate) | Number of deaths per capita per unit time. | $D = \frac{\Delta N_d}{N \cdot \Delta t}$ |
These two factors operate in opposition; while natality increases population size, mortality decreases it. The net change is calculated by $(B - D)$ [Per the Exponential Growth Equation Model].
Step 3: Age Distribution (Age Pyramids)
A population is composed of individuals at different developmental stages: pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive. The proportion of these groups is represented graphically as an Age Pyramid.
Analysis of Pyramids:
- Expanding: Pre-reproductive individuals significantly outnumber reproductive individuals.
- Stable: The proportions of pre-reproductive and reproductive age groups are roughly balanced.
- Declining: Post-reproductive individuals are the largest cohort, indicating a shrinking future population.
Final Solution: The three fundamental characteristics of a population are 1) Population Density, which measures the number of individuals per unit area; 2) Natality and Mortality, which denote the rates of birth and death determining population flux; and 3) Age Distribution, which utilizes age pyramids to predict future population growth trajectories and demographic stability.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations EXERCISES
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase (\(r\)) of the population?
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase ((r)) of the population?
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q7(a): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (a) Commensalism
- Q7(a): Define the following term and give one example for it: Commensalism
- Q7(b): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (b) Parasitism
- Q7(b): Define the following term and give one example for it: Parasitism
- Q7(c): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (c) Camouflage
- Q7(c): Define the following term and give one example for it: Camouflage
- Q7(d): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (d) Mutualism
- Q7(d): Define the following term and give one example for it: Mutualism
- Q7(e): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (e) Interspecific competition
- Q7(e): Define the following term and give one example for it: Interspecific competition
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q10: List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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