The study of how and why populations change in size and composition over time, including factors that influence birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration. It examines patterns of population growth, decline, and stability.
From Latin 'populus' (people) plus 'dynamics' from Greek 'dynamikos' (powerful, relating to force). The field developed in the 20th century combining mathematical models with ecological observations.
Population dynamics reveals that nature is constantly in flux - what looks like a stable ecosystem is actually a dynamic balance of populations rising and falling in response to each other! Predator and prey populations often cycle in predictable patterns, like a biological dance that's been going on for millions of years.
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