demographic stochasticity

Demographic stochasticity refers to random fluctuations in the size of a population caused by unpredictable variations in individual birth and death events. Even in a stable environment, chance can lead to some individuals reproducing more or less than others, or dying earlier or later, influencing overall population numbers. This randomness is especially significant in small populations, where such fluctuations can have a large impact, potentially leading to extinction or changes in population dynamics. It highlights the role of chance, alongside environmental factors, in shaping the fate of populations over time.