Lionfish Invasion: Density-Dependent Population Dynamics

About

In this Click & Learn, you’ll explore how to use mathematical population models to study invasive lionfish. Next, you’ll examine scientific case studies to learn more about factors that can slow the growth of populations when they get large.

In some parts of the ocean, lionfish are an invasive species. Lionfish populations can be modeled using a logistic model, which describes how a population changes if there is an upper limit to its size. This model can be applied to populations that are limited by food, space, competition, and other density-dependent factors.

Credits

Produced By

HHMI BioInteractive

Producers

Paul Beardsley, Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Chantale Bégin, University of South Florida, FL
Fabian de Kok-Mercado, HHMI
Abigail Kula, Mount St. Mary's University, MD
Kiersten Newtoff, Montgomery College, MD
Mark Nielsen, HHMI
Esther Shyu, HHMI

Reviewers

Jeremy Claisse, Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Mark Nielsen, HHMI

Writing and Editing

Paul Beardsley, Cal Poly Pomona, CA
Chantale Bégin, University of South Florida, FL
Abigail Kula, Mount St. Mary's University, MD
Kiersten Newtoff, Montgomery College, MD
Esther Shyu, HHMI

UI/UX Design and Development

kapow, inc.

Animations and Videos

Video Interviews and Animations with Stephanie Green

Deja Springfield, Jeff Allen Productions
Jeff Allen, Jeff Allen Productions

Lionfish Invasion Map

Corey Staver
Based on data from USGS

Illustrations

Heather MacDonald

Creative/Art Direction

Fabian de Kok-Mercado

Photographs

The following photographs are used under CC BY:

All other images used are original work or public domain.

Special Thanks

Stephanie Green, University of Alberta

© 2020 Howard Hughes Medical Institute. All rights reserved.

Version 1.3
Updated on 03/07/23