What is a population?
A population is all the members of a species that live within an ecosystem.
Focus on Red Pandas
One species that lives in the tropical rainforest is the red panda. Its scientific name is Ailurus fulgens. Red pandas spend most of their time in trees, but they are endangered. They are victims of deforestation as more and more forests are destroyed by logging and the spread of agriculture.
Adaptations
Red pandas have adapted to their tree-top habitat with an extended wristbone for gripping and climbing onto trees.
They have also adapted to their high-altitude habitat with a large bushy tail that is used as a blanket. Additionally, they use their tail to balance while on trees (see above photo).
What do red pandas eat?
Red pandas are herbivores. Their main source of food is bamboo, but they will also eat other foods such as fruit, acorns, and roots.
What density-dependent factors limit the red panda population?
Intraspecific competition
Competition for mates may result in fighting or intimidation. They exhibit visual displays such as arching the tail and back, the slow raising and lowering of the head while emitting a low intensity puffing, turning the head while jaw-clapping, shaking the head from side to side, and a bipedal posture with forelegs extended above the head.
Competition for mates may result in fighting or intimidation. They exhibit visual displays such as arching the tail and back, the slow raising and lowering of the head while emitting a low intensity puffing, turning the head while jaw-clapping, shaking the head from side to side, and a bipedal posture with forelegs extended above the head.
Parasite
Red pandas are susceptible to heartworms. Heartworms, in essence, are foot-long worms that live in the heart and cause problems in the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. They are often fatal.
Red pandas are susceptible to heartworms. Heartworms, in essence, are foot-long worms that live in the heart and cause problems in the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. They are often fatal.
Predator
The main predators of the red panda is the snow leopards and martens.
The main predators of the red panda is the snow leopards and martens.