Population Properties
What are the three main properties of a population?
Size, density, and dispersion.
What is exponential growth?
Growth that occurs faster and faster as a population increases.
What is mutualism?
A relationship where both species benefit.
What verse reminds us of God’s command to steward creation responsibly?
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."
What property of a population does your school census measure?
Density and dispersion.
What does population density measure?
The number of individuals per unit area or volume.
What is the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?
The maximum population that an ecosystem can support indefinitely.
How is parasitism different from predation?
Parasites feed on a host without immediately killing it, while predators kill their prey.
Which biblical example illustrates the concept of a census?
Numbers 26:2 “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel.”
Why is a census important for understanding populations?
It provides data on size, growth, and resource needs.
What are the types of population dispersion?
Even, clumped, and random.
What happens when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?
The population crashes due to resource depletion.
What is niche overlap?
When two species use the same resources in a habitat, leading to competition.
Proverbs 6:6-8 highlights what lesson about resource use?
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Wisdom in preparation and diligence.
What challenges might you face when conducting a census?
Incomplete data, overlapping categories, or misidentification.
True or False: A population refers only to the size of a species group.
False (it also includes density and distribution).
What are limiting resources?
Resources that restrict population growth, such as water, food, or space.
Give an example of commensalism.
A remora attaching to a shark and eating its leftovers.
How does Job 38:4-11 reflect God’s order in creation?
It describes God setting boundaries for the seas and establishing the earth’s foundations.
How can census results be displayed to show trends?
Using graphs, charts, or data tables.
What type of dispersion do flamingos usually show?
Clumped.
Name a real-life example of exponential growth in populations.
Rabbits in Australia or bacterial growth.
Describe the role of predators in regulating prey populations.
Predators prevent prey populations from exceeding the carrying capacity.
How can studying ecosystems inspire worship?
Observing God’s intricate design and balance in nature leads to awe and reverence.
How does conducting a census reflect biblical principles?
It demonstrates stewardship and the value of understanding creation to care for it wisely.