This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the nature of Biology. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module will take you to another exciting and yet relaxing tour to the environment that surrounds us. In Module 8, you have learned how evolution through natural selection can result in biodiversity. Now, you will learn about biodiversity and population growth.
Have you ever been in an overcrowded room? It’s not an ideal situation. You will feel hot, stuffy, and very uncomfortable. Definitely, no one would want to try to live in overcrowded conditions. In Biology, plants, animals, other organisms, as well as weather and landscape, work together to form a sphere of life. The smallest interacting unit composed of living and non-living things is known as an ecosystem. Ecosystems function best when they have the appropriate number of organisms making up a population to utilize the resources available.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth which includes all its forms and all its interactions. All species including humans, depend on each other to survive. Loss of biodiversity leads to the loss of services that nature provides which are essential to the functioning of our society and economy.
Humans affect biodiversity with their population size that demands use of resources causing damage to habitats of other species. Human activities that eventually lead to the decline in biodiversity also lead to demands for call for action for the elimination of threats to wildlife, which are often preservation and conservation policies. Thus, if proper actions are to be made, humans would be able to sustain life on earth longer.
The module presents concepts on Population, Population Growth, and Carrying Capacity.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. explain the relationship between population growth and carrying capacity.