Factors affecting biotic potential - population growth, Biology

Assignment Help:

Factors Affecting Biotic Potential - Population Growth

Biotic potential differs from one species to another e.g., bacterial populations can grow faster than population of oak trees. The rate of reproduction of any individual can be increased in any or all of three following ways:

  1. By producing a large number of offsprings each time it reproduces,
  2. By having a long reproductive life, and
  3. By reproducing as early in life as possible.

Of these three factors, the last one is most important. Let us take an example to understand this. A bacterium neither lives for a long time nor produces many offsprings each time it reproduces. Its reproductive potential is higher than that of a dog because most bacteria can reproduce within an hour after being formed by cell division, whereas a dog is not able to reproduce until it is at least 6 months old. So we can say that shorter the generation time of a species, the higher its reproductive potential. In case of organisms with equal generation time, the number of offsprings produced determines which has higher potential for population growth. Thus the population of a plant that produces 100 seeds a year can potentially grow faster than the population of a plant that produces 10 seeds a year. However, with longer pre-reproductive period, number of offsprings produced does not affect much the biotic potential of a population.


Related Discussions:- Factors affecting biotic potential - population growth

What is the critical photoperiod, What is the critical photoperiod? How can...

What is the critical photoperiod? How can the critical photoperiod relate to flowering be experimentally determined? The critical photoperiod is the limit of the photoperiod du

Explain about the derived proteins, Explain about the Derived Proteins? ...

Explain about the Derived Proteins? These are not naturally taking place proteins and are obtained from simple proteins by the action of enzymes and chemical agents, heat, mech

What is prophylaxis, What is prophylaxis? Prophylaxis are measures take...

What is prophylaxis? Prophylaxis are measures taken to stop diseases. For instance, the use of condoms in sexual relations is a prophylaxis against contamination by agents that

Explain the transport of amino acids, Explain the Transport of Amino Acids?...

Explain the Transport of Amino Acids? More than one transport or carrier system functions in the absorption of amino acids. The active carrier system for neutral amino acids sh

Determine the groups of soil organisms, Determine the groups of soil organi...

Determine the groups of soil organisms The soil organisms are classified into two broad groups viz. soil flora (related to plants) and soil fauna (related to animals) which ar

What is physiologic adaptation, Physiologic Adaptation Modeling is a su...

Physiologic Adaptation Modeling is a surface specific activity (apposition or resorption) that produces a net change in the size and/or shape of the bone. It is an uncoupled pr

Explain the radiographic examination of prothesis, Radiographic Examination...

Radiographic Examination Radiographs are an important tool to evaluate the bone levels, health and implant integrity.  Annual radiographs following treatment are recommended in

Explain biological mechanisms, Biological mechanisms Annual rhythm....

Biological mechanisms Annual rhythm. Innate behaviour pattern stimulated by environmental cues (shortened day length is the cue for preparation - candidates should exp

Explain oedema - clinical signs of kwashiorkor, Explain Oedema - Clinical S...

Explain Oedema - Clinical Signs of Kwashiorkor? Oedema: Oedema refers to accumulation of fluid in the tissues and usually begins with a slight swelling in feet gradually spread

Why can the genetic code be qualified as a degenerate code, Why can the gen...

Why can the genetic code be qualified as a "degenerate code"? The genetic code is a degenerate code because there are amino acids codified by more than one type of codon. It is

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd