Biotic effects of habitat fragmentation - Population level effects of fragmentation - Demographic effects

4 important questions on Biotic effects of habitat fragmentation - Population level effects of fragmentation - Demographic effects

Explain what is ment by "demographic stochasticity".

The fluctuation in demographic factors such as birth-death ratio and male-female ratio in a population that are purely the result of chance.

Why is demographic stochasticity an exponential threat in a small population?

Because fluctuations are larger in terms of percentage and have much more impact on the future of the population then in a larger population. 

Give a description of the extinction vortex or the Allee effect

In a low population size, induvidual capacity to survive and produce offspring is lowered.  This makes it difficult for a population to recover to it's carying capacity. Fluctuation in demographics makes it worse. And a downward spiral to extinction is created.

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What factors contribute to the Allee effect?

  1. Difficulty in mate location
  2. Reduced group defences against predators
  3. Reduced group foraging efficiency
  4. Breakdown of social integration
  5. Chance inequality in sex ratio

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