Scientists use a variety of information to determine the survival probability of a population, including:
- Birth and Death Rates: Understanding the reproduction rates and mortality rates within the population helps estimate future population dynamics.
- Genetic Diversity: A population with high genetic diversity may be more resilient to environmental changes and diseases, which can improve survival probabilities.
- Habitat Quality: The availability and quality of resources such as food, water, and shelter significantly influence survival rates.
- Population Size: Smaller populations may be more vulnerable to extinction due to factors like genetic drift and inbreeding depression.
- Age Structure: The age distribution within a population can indicate potential growth or decline, as it reflects the proportion of individuals in reproductive versus non-reproductive stages.
- Environmental Factors: Changes in climate, habitat destruction, and presence of predators or competitors can affect survival probabilities.
- Migration Patterns: Understanding how movement to and from different populations influences genetic exchange and population stability.
Collectively, these factors can be used to model and predict the survival likelihood of a population over time.