Overpopulation Overpopulation

Affects on EcosystemsAffects on Ecosystems

Overpopulation—Key Ideas

Overpopulation occurs when too Overpopulation occurs when too many organisms, in relation to many organisms, in relation to available resources, are located in available resources, are located in one area. one area.

Organisms in overpopulated areas do Organisms in overpopulated areas do not survive in a healthy state because not survive in a healthy state because of reduced food and shelter..of reduced food and shelter..

Too large a population can use up all Too large a population can use up all necessary resources, causing any necessary resources, causing any remaining organisms to die.remaining organisms to die.

Migration of individuals away from Migration of individuals away from overpopulated areas can reduce overpopulated areas can reduce overpopulation.overpopulation.

Real World ApplicationReal World Application

Count the number of students in the Count the number of students in the class.class.

- How many would there be if each - How many would there be if each person grew by 2? 4? 8?person grew by 2? 4? 8?

- Would everyone be able to have a - Would everyone be able to have a seat?seat?

- What affect would these numbers - What affect would these numbers have on the people in the room?have on the people in the room?

Is there enough food?Is there enough food?

Assume that the cafeteria has just Assume that the cafeteria has just enough food for the current size of the enough food for the current size of the class. What would happen if four times class. What would happen if four times the number of students went there for the number of students went there for lunch? Who would get food? Who would lunch? Who would get food? Who would not? How would the cafeteria staff handle not? How would the cafeteria staff handle the shortage? the shortage?

True or False?True or False?

The problem of overpopulation refers only to The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. human populations.

Overpopulation is a problem in only certain Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world. parts of the world.

RealityReality

The problem of overpopulation refers only to The problem of overpopulation refers only to human populations. human populations. RealityReality: Overpopulation can refer to any : Overpopulation can refer to any

species which is overusing its resource species which is overusing its resource base, not just humans.base, not just humans.

Overpopulation is a problem in only certain Overpopulation is a problem in only certain parts of the world. parts of the world.

- - Reality: Reality: Any area of the world can become Any area of the world can become overpopulated.overpopulated.