A scientist studying Florida panthers makes many observations of a population over the course of several years. What is the scientist likely to learn by studying the population over an extended period of time? (2 points)
Remember that scientists who study a population are studying the dynamics of the population.
By studying a population of Florida panthers over an extended period of time, the scientist is likely to learn several key things:
1. Population dynamics: The scientist can observe the changes in population size, such as fluctuations or trends in population growth or decline over the years. This can provide insights into the factors affecting the population's reproductive success, mortality rates, and overall health.
2. Long-term impacts of environmental changes: By studying the population over time, the scientist can assess the effects of long-term changes in the environment on the panthers. This includes the impacts of habitat loss, climate change, or human activities on the population's behavior, movement patterns, and survival.
3. Demographic characteristics: By monitoring individuals within the population, the scientist can gather data on individual traits such as age, sex, reproductive success, and survival rates. This information can help understand how different demographic factors influence the overall dynamics of the population.
4. Genetic diversity and adaptation: Over an extended period, the scientist can examine the genetic diversity within the population and how it changes over time. This can provide insights into the potential for adaptation and genetic health of the population.
Overall, studying a population of Florida panthers over an extended period allows the scientist to gain a comprehensive understanding of their population dynamics, responses to environmental changes, and factors influencing their survival and reproductive success.