Ecology and Population

Population Ecology

9.2

Population Ecology

Factors affecting population distribution:

Factors	The effects towrads plants
Temperature	The optimum temperature for plant growth is between 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. High temperatures can cause enzymes to break down. Biochemical processes in plants will be disrupted Low temperatures will reduce enzyme activity. This will slow down the biochemical reaction
Water	Water is needed for enzyme activity, photosynthesis as well as transport and support in herbaceous plants. Dry areas such as deserts and tundra areas such as the poles have low population distribution and plant density.
Light	Light is very important for the process of photosynthesis. Areas that receive less light have a small number of plants.
pH of soil	Soil pH is important for nutrient uptake by roots Soil pH that is too acidic or alkaline will cause the absorption of nutrients by plants to be low. Tree growth will be affected due to lack of nutrients.
Mineral salt content	The salt content affects the osmotic absorption of water by the roots. The high salt content in the soil causes plants to lose water through osmosis. Minerals are needed to produce proteins, enzymes, nucleotides, vitamins and other compounds. For example, phosphorus is used to form phospholipids (in the formation of cell membranes).
Factors	The effects towards animals
Temperature	Areas exposed to high temperatures in a habitat are less occupied by animals such as worms and snails.
Water	Animals are concentrated in areas that have sufficient water resources to drink and cool down.
Breeding site	A suitable and safe breeding place is needed by animals to give birth and raise children.
Food supply	Food is important for survival because animals are heterotrophic that depend on plants and other animals as food.

Source:[Text Book Biology KSSM Form 5]