LESSON 2 : BASIC ECOLOGICAL

CONCEPTS
Levels of Organization
 Population

Learning outcomes:
 illustrate the basic concept of the Levels of Organization;
 define what is Exponential Growth; and
 identify and differentiate the classification of age distribution

TOPIC DISCUSSION

LEVELS OF ORGANIZATION
All things are composed of atoms that bond together to form molecules. The basic atoms found in an organism are
carbon atoms to which are linked varying numbers of hydrogen atoms in varying arrangements. Molecules of this
composition are called organic molecules, which account fro why organisms are so named. Oxygen is another atom that
links with carbon and hydrogen; together, these three (CHO) form the bigger molecules of sugars, carbohydrates and lipids.
When nitrogen links with CHO to make CHON, an amino acid protein is formed, to which may bond phosphorous or sulfur.
These, in turn, compose the nucleoplasm (nucleus, nucleolus and nuclear sap) and the cytoplasm (cytosol and
organelles), which make up the cell. Cells group together to form a tissue, which is an aggregation of cells performing a
common function or functions. Tissues compose on organ, which is an aggregation of tissues usually forming a definite
shape, and performing a definite function within an organ system. Organ System, is a group of organs that perform
coordinated functions together to keep the organism alive and functioning well. The scope of biology includes the study of all
of these and may extend to the level of the organism, such as behavior, and the organism’s mechanisms for interacting with
its environment.
Organism- is any living things.
Species- a group of organisms that are similar in appearance, behavior and genetic make-up.
Population- The group of individuals belonging to one species and are found together in a defined area at a certain time.

A population possesses characteristics that more empirically describe the group such as:
1. Population Density
2. Dispersion
3. Natality/mortality
4. Growth
 5. Age distribution
6. Reproductive Potential
Population
1. Population Density
In biology, populations are groups of individuals belonging to the same species that live in the same region at the
same time. Population density is a measure of the number of organisms that make up a population in a defined
area.
Population density applies to all organisms on Earth, including the plants that make up vast crops, trees of the jungle,
animals on the farm, fish in the ocean, and humans on the planet. No matter where a population of organisms lives,
those organisms make up the population density for a given area.
For example, a population of 100 insects that live in an area of 100 square meters has a density of 1 insect per
square meter
The population density of an area can be one of the most important determining factors for business and marketing
planning. It is not enough to know how many consumers live in a specific state or city. ... You can track changes and
growth within the population, as well.

2. Dispersion

Dispersion or distribution patterns show the spatial relationship between members of a population within a habitat.
Individuals of a population can be distributed in one of three basic patterns: uniform, random, or clumped.
Clumped dispersion is when individuals in a population are clustered together, creating some patches with many
individuals and some patches with no individuals. In uniform dispersion, individuals are spaced evenly throughout
an area. And in random dispersion, individuals are arranged without any apparent pattern.
In natural populations, random dispersion is rare, while clumped dispersion, which we'll focus on in this lesson, is the
most common pattern.
Clumped dispersion is often due to an uneven distribution of nutrients or other resources in the environment. It can
also be caused by social interactions between individuals. Additionally, in organisms that don't move, such as plants,
offspring might be very close to their parents and show clumped dispersion patterns.

3. Natality/Mortality

NATALITY MORTALITY

1) The birth rate in a given population is called 1) The death rate in a given population
Natality. is called Mortality.

2) Birth rate refers to the total number of live 2) Death rate refers to the measure of
births per 1000 in a given population during a number of deaths or the number of
given time period or a year. deaths per 1,000 individuals per year.

4.Growth
Growth is an important features of a population since the increase or decrease of population size determines its
interaction with other populations in the community and its impact on the environment . A population that finds a favourable
environment with abundant resources would increase in exponential fashion as described by a growth curve that shoots up
almost in a straight line only to be stopped at a point where the maximum capacity of the environment to support the
population has been reached.
 In exponential growth, a population's per capita (per individual) growth rate stays the same regardless of
population size, making the population grow faster and faster as it gets larger.
 In nature, populations may grow exponentially for some period, but they will ultimately be limited by resource
availability.
 In logistic growth, a population's per capita growth rate gets smaller and smaller as population size approaches
a maximum imposed by limited resources in the environment, known as the carrying capacity (KKK).
 Exponential growth produces a J-shaped curve, while logistic growth produces an S-shaped curve.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.lumenlearning.com%2Fwm-biology2%2Fchapter%2Fenvironmental-limits-to-population-
growth%2F&psig=AOvVaw0MD6EuaunT_EfhYJB63YZN&ust=1593652546497000&
source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCNjnj7PHrOoCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
5. Age Distribution

Age Distribution classifies the population according to age brackets or to general age groups such as preproductive,
reproductive, postreproductive (Odum, 1971). Age groups may be represented by age like those in Figure 3.

A
g
e

A B C

Figure 3. (a) a bell represents a population with more young members and the very old members compose the least number; (b) an urn represents
less young and very old members, more of those in the middle age brackets; (c) broad base pyramid represents more young members than older
or very old; ( Source: Odum, 1971)

6. Reproductive Potential

The reproductive potential of a population is its theoretical capacity to produce the maximum number of offsprings in
ideal conditions.

The concept is exemplified by the scenario of couple of flies that under ideal conditions could mate and overpopulate the
planet several times. Happily, this will always remain a theoretical scenario in reality, the limiting factors in the environment
prevent the attainment of the fundamental niche and the full potential of the population.
 MAIN TASK
TITLE : Brainstorming Activity
TIME : 15 minutes
MATERIALS : Worksheet and pen

Direction: Answer what is asked.

1.What is Exponential Growth?
Exponential growth is a process in which the quantity of something increases at an ever-increasing rate.The
larger the quantity, the faster it grows.This type of growth is characterized by a J-shaped curve, where the
quantity starts slowly at first, then begins to grow more rapidly, and eventually approaches an asymptote.

2.Make a graph showing the Exponential Growth Curve

3.Enumerate the classification of Age Distribution and define its meaning.

Age distribution refers to the breakdown of a population into different age groups.The composition, dynamics,
and future trends of a population.

1.Children (0-14 years): This group comprises the youngest members of the population and
represents the future workforce and potential consumers. A high proportion of children in a population
indicates a growing population with a strong potential for economic growth. However, it also poses
challenges in terms of education, healthcare, and resource allocation for this dependent age group.

2.Working-age population (15-64 years): This group represents the economically active segment of
the population, responsible for production, consumption, and driving economic growth. A large
working-age population indicates a productive and economically vibrant society. However, an aging
working-age population can lead to labor shortages and challenges in supporting a growing elderly
population.

3.Elderly population (65 years and over): This group comprises the oldest members of the population
and represents a growing demographic segment due to increasing life expectancy and declining
fertility rates. A large elderly population poses challenges in terms of healthcare, social security, and
resource allocation for this dependent age group. However, it also presents opportunities for
businesses catering to the elderly population and for tapping into their knowledge and experience.