Population models with excel

Alexa Rogers
1. 2.D.1:c
The stability of populations, communities, and ecosystems is effected by interactions with biotic and
abiotic factors.

4.A.5:c 1-4

2. Exponential growth: dN/dt = rmaxN

Logistical growth: dN/dt = rmax(K-N/K)
3. The date and birth rate are already calculated out to the 'rmax' value.
4. They are both exponential, but the one over 100 years takes longer to curve up to make the jcurve. So, the population stays around the starting point longer in the 100 year graph.
5. When r is larger, the population grows quicker, when its smaller, the population growth is
slower. And when it is zero, the population doesn't grow or decrease at all. And if it's negative,
the population decreases.
6. In the exponential graph, it can grow forever, cause it has no limit.

7. In the logistical graph, K is introduced. K is the carrying capacity. It limits the graph of
population growth. At a certain point, the graph stops increase and levels out on a line, the
carrying capacity.
8. The larger the K, the higher up the graph will level off, but the shape will remain the same.
And when K is lower, the graph will level closer to the original population.
9. When r is larger, the graph reaches K quicker and so the graph will be an s looking curve.
When r is small, it will take a long time to reach K and the graph will stretch out more. And if r is
zero, the graph will be a constant line at the original population. If r is negative, the graph will
curve away from the K.
Reflection: The purpose of this activity was to learn how to set up graphs and interpret the data
shown in graphs and how changing values in the equation will change the data and graph. I
learned is to set up a model, and how to determine how to work with different variables. The first
standard talks about the biotic and abiotic factors in an environment, which can actually be seen
on a logistical graph, where the density dependent factors will balance the population above and
below the K, carrying capacity. A population is a group of a specific species Ina certain area at a
given time. When the population grows above its carrying capacity, factors will reduce the
population below K. Some factors would be competition, disease, overcrowding, etc. I think a
little more time understanding how to make the equations using excel would be beneficial. I
enjoyed learning about how the environment naturally has checks and balances to keep all
populations in a community in balance. It's interesting how without any outside forces, a
population will hover around a value, K.