Population and Natural Resources – S5 Biology Notes

These Senior 5 Biology teaching notes cover population ecology. They define key population properties such as size, density, natality, mortality, fecundity, age structure, biotic potential and carrying capacity. The notes compare random, uniform and clumped dispersion and list the advantages and disadvantages of each. They then explain density-dependent and density-independent factors that affect population size and the signs that a population has exceeded its carrying capacity. J-shaped and sigmoid growth curves are described phase by phase, along with stable, irruptive and cyclic patterns. The notes also show how negative feedback regulates population size. They suit classroom teaching and revision for advanced-level learners.