How do populations grow in an ecosystem?

Populations in an ecosystem grow through birth rates exceeding death rates and immigration of individuals from other areas.

In more detail, population growth in an ecosystem is primarily driven by the birth and death rates of the species in question. If the birth rate, or the number of offspring produced, exceeds the death rate, or the number of individuals dying, the population will grow. This is known as natural increase. However, it's important to note that this growth isn't always linear or constant. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the availability of resources, predation, disease, and competition with other species.

Another key factor in population growth is immigration. This refers to the movement of individuals into a population from other areas. If the number of individuals immigrating is greater than the number emigrating, or leaving, the population will grow. This can often occur when a species finds a new habitat that is suitable for its needs, or when conditions in its previous habitat become unfavourable.

However, population growth is not unlimited. It is regulated by what are known as limiting factors. These are environmental conditions that limit the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population of organisms in an ecosystem. Limiting factors can be biotic, such as food availability, predation, and disease, or abiotic, such as temperature, water availability, and light intensity.

In summary, population growth in an ecosystem is a complex process influenced by birth and death rates, immigration and emigration, and a variety of limiting factors. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing and conserving biodiversity.