The intensity of reproduction of many species of wild animals depends on their inherent fertility, which is limited by unfavorable conditions of existence in nature. Human activities can contribute to an increase in the number of animals or, conversely, cause their extinction.
Instructions
Step 1
The number of wild animals mainly depends on the state of the environment inhabited by them, which can cause a decrease in fertility, an increase in the death of animals. So far there is no complete theoretical substantiation of the mechanism of regulation of the number of wild animals, but scientists believe that it depends to a lesser extent on the fertility of individuals. Despite the periodic ups and downs in the birth and death rates of animals in the wild, in the long-term consideration, the number remains fairly balanced.
Step 2
Temporary conditions of the natural environment affect the change in the fertility of animals, which was formed in the evolutionary process of adaptation of different species to environmental conditions. Reproduction of individuals decreases when the density of the population of a particular species increases (in connection with which the amount of food decreases and the death of young animals increases), the living conditions worsen. Natural disasters (droughts, floods, etc.), excessive extermination sharply reduce the number of animals, but it can recover rather quickly in favorable conditions. Bears, deer, moose, roe deer, pinnipeds are characterized by low fertility, while wolves, squirrels, and foxes are characterized by high fertility.
Step 3
In the wild, the lifespan of animals is half the maximum. Large species are usually considered centenarians. The number of animals is seriously influenced by many factors, among which the most important reasons for the decrease in the number should be considered the availability of forage resources (abundance of high-calorie food and water, availability of food), climatic factors (for example, low temperature), death from predators and epidemics, migration to territories unfavorable for the existence of individuals.
Step 4
In the animal kingdom, there are rare species of animals, these include elephants, rhinos, leopards, tigers, lions. But there are also such, for example, wolves, which are very numerous, despite the measures taken to combat them.
Step 5
The number of wild animals is highly dependent on the activities of people. For example, you can increase the number of main game animals by prohibiting or limiting hunting. Artificial settlement and protection of endangered species also contribute to an increase in the number of animals.
Step 6
In order to identify the dynamics of the number and composition of wild animals, scientists carry out biological monitoring, which also makes it possible to take into account the number of game animals. This form of accounting helps to quickly take action appropriate to the situation.
