1. Describe what happened to the deer population when predator populations in the area were controlled.

Question

(1)

2. Overall, what type of population growth curve is demonstrated by your graph of data from 1905-1939?

(1)

3. Based on your graph, what would you estimate as a reasonable Carrying Capacity for this population? Explain why??

(2)

4. List 1 density-dependent limiting factor AND 1 density-independent limiting factor that might have impacted this Kaibab deer population?

(2)

5. If you are now in charge of managing this deer population, what range of population size would you try to keep the herd within? Defend why and discuss the management strategies/practices you would implement to keep the population in that preferred range of herd size.

Answer 1

1. When predator populations in the area were controlled, the deer population experienced significant growth. Without natural predators to keep their numbers in check, the deer thrived, leading to an increase in their overall population size.

2. The type of population growth curve demonstrated by the data from 1905-1939 is likely a J-shaped curve (exponential growth) initially, followed by a leveling off as the population approaches carrying capacity, indicating a period of rapid increase followed by limited growth due to resource constraints.

3. A reasonable estimate for the Carrying Capacity of this deer population might be around 15,000 to 20,000 individuals. This estimate is based on ecological principles that suggest that carrying capacity reflects the maximum population size that an environment can sustain given the available resources, such as food, water, and habitat space. It is likely derived from observing what the habitat could support prior to any overpopulation effects.

4. One density-dependent limiting factor that might have impacted the Kaibab deer population is food availability; as the population increases, competition for resources intensifies, which can lead to malnutrition and a decline in health. A density-independent limiting factor could be harsh weather conditions, such as severe winter storms, that could lead to high mortality regardless of population density.

5. If I were managing this deer population, I would aim to keep the herd size within a range of 15,000 to 20,000 individuals. This range would be ideal as it reflects the estimated carrying capacity of the habitat, ensuring that the population does not exceed the resources available and preventing overgrazing, which can lead to habitat degradation.

To maintain this preferred range, I would implement several management strategies:

• Regular population monitoring to track the number of deer and assess their health.
• Controlled hunting to manage population size, particularly when numbers exceed 20,000.
• Habitat management to ensure an abundance of food sources and minimize the effects of overgrazing.
• Public education and outreach to inform local communities about the importance of deer management and encourage responsible practices.
• Restoration projects to improve habitats and support the ecosystem while accommodating the deer population.

By balancing these strategies, we can sustain a healthy deer population that coexists with its environment and contributes positively to the ecosystem.