Death rate

Definition

Death rate refers to the number of deaths in a population per unit time, typically expressed as deaths per 1,000 individuals per year. It is a crucial factor in understanding population dynamics and growth rates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Death rate helps determine the overall health and viability of a population.
2. It can be influenced by factors such as disease, predation, and environmental conditions.
3. A higher death rate generally leads to a decrease in population size if not balanced by birth rates or immigration.
4. Death rates can vary significantly between different species and even within populations based on age structure.
5. Understanding death rate is essential for conservation efforts and managing wildlife populations.

Review Questions

• What are some factors that can influence the death rate in a population?
• How does a high death rate affect the size of a population?
• Why is it important to study death rates in the context of conservation efforts?

Related terms

birthRate: The number of live births in a population per unit time, typically expressed as births per 1,000 individuals per year.

carryingCapacity: The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support sustainably over time.

populationDensity: The number of individuals living in a given area or volume.