Zero population growth

Definition

Zero population growth occurs when the number of births plus immigrants equals the number of deaths plus emigrants in a given period, resulting in no net increase in population size. It is an important concept in understanding how populations stabilize over time under certain environmental limits and conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zero population growth is achieved when the birth rate plus immigration rate equals the death rate plus emigration rate.
2. In zero population growth, the total population size remains constant over time.
3. Factors such as resource availability, disease, and predation can influence whether a population achieves zero growth.
4. Zero population growth can be influenced by human activities, such as family planning and immigration policies.
5. This concept is crucial for studying the carrying capacity of environments and sustainable development.

Review Questions

• What condition must be met for a population to achieve zero population growth?
• How does zero population growth relate to carrying capacity?
• What are some factors that could lead to a transition from exponential growth to zero population growth?

Related terms

Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals an environment can support sustainably based on available resources.

Exponential Growth: A pattern of data that shows greater increases with passing time, creating a curve representing continuous and rapid growth.

Logistic Growth: A model of population growth that starts exponentially but slows as it reaches carrying capacity due to limited resources.