BRAINCAKEFinding a Mate
For a population to survive, individuals must find a mate and reproduce. The ability to find a mate is therefore a biotic factor that affects population size, especially in species that live at low density.
Low population density. If a population becomes very small or spread out, individuals may rarely meet a suitable mate. The birth rate falls, so the population may decline further even if food and habitat are plentiful. This is a particular danger for endangered species, where the last few individuals may be scattered over a large area. A small population also has low genetic diversity, and mating between relatives (inbreeding) becomes more common, which can reduce fertility and survival.
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Key terms in this lesson
- pheromone
- A chemical released by an organism that affects the behaviour of other individuals of the same species, such as attracting a mate.
More in The Nature of Ecosystems
- Water Availability
- Oxygen Availability
- Edaphic Factors
- Predation
- Territory
- Parasitism and Disease
- Case Study: Snowshoe Hare and Lynx
- Case Study: Red Grouse and Parasites
All 39 lessons in The Nature of Ecosystems · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics