Name:________________________________ Section:_____________________ Date:_______________

Measuring Population Density

Objective:
 Determine the pattern of population distribution using mathematical formula
 Compare the distribution patterns of the different populations.
Procedure:
Part A.
1. Study the three patterns of population distribution in Figure 1.

18 cm

20 cm

2. Using the given formula for computing population density, calculate the density of each population.
Density = number of individuals
Size of area
3. Count the total number for each population. Record the number in the table.
4. Calculate the density of each population. Record it in the table.
Table 1 Population Density
Population name Number of Organisms Density

Guide Questions:
1. Compare the distribution patterns of the three populations.____________________________________________________
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2. Which population has the greatest density?_________________________________________________________________
3. Infer from the recorded data what could be the possible causes for the differences in the population
density.______________________________________________________________________________________________
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4. Describe how a population’s density can be used to learn about the needs and characteristics of that
population.___________________________________________________________________________________________
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Populations can be of the same size, but they may have different densities. When we consider the number of individuals per unit area, we
are referring to the density of the population. Differences in population density in any community may be attributed to many factors.
Population sizes change when new members move into the ecosystem. They decrease when members move out of an ecosystem. The
birth rate and death rates can also affect a population’s size. Anything that limits the size of a population like certain environmental
conditions are called limiting factors. Limiting factors keep a population from increasing in size and help balance an ecosystem. Examples
of limiting factors are the availability of food, water, and living conditions. Light, temperature and soil nutrients are also limiting factors
because they help determine the types of organisms that can live in an ecosystem. The maximum population size an environment can
support is called its carrying capacity. If the population size rises above the carrying capacity, organisms die because they cannot meet all
their needs.
5. How are limiting factors related to population density?________________________________________________________
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Part B. Solve the following problems.
1. Suppose 60 ants live in a 4 sq m plot of grass. What would be the population density of the ants? What would the
population density be if 100 ants live in an 8 sq m plot of grass?
2. If 40 carabaos live in a 1 ½ sq m area, what is their population density per sq. km?
3. How many monkeys would have to live in a ¾ sq. km. area to have the same population density as the carabao?