Week 02

Overview

This week’s lectures will provide an introduction to how ecologists model the process of populations growing or shrinking. We will begin with a simple model that considers a “closed” population that only grows with births, and only shrinks with deaths. This gives rise to exponential growth dynamics, which form the basis for many other models in population ecology.

From here, we will add demographic structure to our populations by dividing the organisms into different age (or size) classes, and model their growth using matrix math.

Out-of-class activities

Outside of class, please read Chapter 1 of A Primer of Ecology. For a physical copy of the book, please visit Dr. Kandlikar’s office.

Also, prior to Friday’s class, please watch the video below about using matrices to model structured population dynamics:

Submissions

The first Weekly Reflection for the semester is due via Moodle at the end of Week 2. Here are some questions for you to consider for this reflection as you settle into the semester:

Reflections on ecology

• What does the word “ecology” mean to you? How do you think it is relevant to your life?
• What is your relationship with “nature”? In your mind, how can humans have a healthy relationship with nature?
• Is there a particular place that comes to your mind when you think of “being out in nature”? What kinds of characteristics define that space for you?

Reflections on the semester

• What are some things you are excited about for this semester? What are some things you are nervous about?
• Looking at your semester schedule, are there going to be particular weeks that are looking busier (multiple exams/assignments due, etc.)? If so, how are you planning to prepare for these weeks?
• Two weeks into the semester, how do you see this course relating to the other courses you are taking, or to other activities in your life outside of this class?