Population genetics
There are many factors that affect the genetics of a population. Some factors include selection, migration, mutation, mating, genotype frequencies, and the environment. In the simulation with fish, mutation caused more diversity within the population. Population genetics is also affected by the carrying capacity, birth rates, and death rates of the population.
Population ecology
The most important thing about population is population size. This is most useful when dealing with endangered species. Finding the exact number of a population is extremely difficult, so scientists estimate the amount. Population grows logistically.
Community ecology
There is often competition in an ecosystem. In the Barnacle simulation, one type of barnacle could grow in a wider range in depth but could be outcompeted. Another type of barnacle was limited to only a specific water depth, yet they were strong competitors. In the other simulation, I saw how different species could survive better depending on predators, the environment, etc.
Behavioral ecology
Animals behave differently depending on their environment. In Bee Foraging, environmental conditions were modified to see how the bees would react to it. It affected total nectar collected and the rate of nectar collection. Predators of a species also affects the prey's hunting/foraging schedule.
Conservation ecology
Pesticides are indirectly affecting animals that associate with those pests. It kills food for the animal's survival and can cause the animals to have defects. Individuals exploiting a common resource will lead to the overexploitation of that material. By having a species over the carrying capacity, it affects the environment and economic systems.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity depends on the environment, island size, distance from mainland, habitat type, and species type. Biodiversity also comes from mutations and natural selection. In the simulation, when the fish went down the stream, they were separated. This spreads a species to other parts of the world.
