Phytoplankton
Geographic RangeGulf of Mexico
Density/DistributionSince the oil spills, the density went down 2 times.
Phytoplankton has a random and clumped distribution pattern as they are randomly clumped in places in the Gulf. |
Birth RateThe birth rate of phytoplankton in the ecosystem has gone down because of the oil spills. Since there are less individuals to reproduce, the birth rate has gone down causing the population to go down.
Death RateMore phytoplankton died due to the oil causing the death rate to increase and be higher than the birth rate.
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Immigration RatePhytoplankton would not be trying to enter a contaminated area since they want to survive which means the immigration rate decreases.
Emigration RateMore phytoplankton leave since their geographic range has been compromised and become inhabitable due to all of the oil in the water making the emigration rate increase.
Combined all together, these four rates cause the population of phytoplankton to go down drastically.
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Exponential Growth/ Logistic GrowthWhen phytoplankton were first introduced into the Gulf of Mexico, it experienced an exponential growth. However, soon after the population started to level out and have a logistic growth when the amount of resources started decreasing.
Carrying CapacitySince the oil killed the population of phytoplankton, the species would have to start all over again from exponential growth til carrying capactiy.
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Dependent Limiting FactorsCompetition for clean water
Predation/ herbivory Disease |