alter the population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alter the population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing changes to demographic data, species populations, or social groups. Example: "The new policy aims to alter the population dynamics in urban areas by encouraging more sustainable living practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I would have thought it might alter the population dynamics.

The Guardian

Subsequent changes in climate, characterized by increased temperatures, a rise in atmospheric CO2, and periodic dry seasons followed by monsoon rainfalls helped to expand the range of the ORSC and alter the population dynamics.

Rice

Although the measured PL signal comes from a particular energy state, the non-radiative channels available to the photo-generated carriers in these states alter the population, thus making the PL decay appear multi-exponential.

Nanoscale Research Letters

When applying the same analysis to several barnase mutants, we found that single mutations may drastically change the free-energy landscape and may significantly alter the population of the two minima.

Biophysical Journal

In addition, special features of the GA were included to dynamically alter the population size, and the crossover and mutation rate in order to facilitate faster convergence and hence reduce the computational effort required.

Computers & Structures

In the long term, though, demographic shift will fundamentally alter the population structure of the entire northern hemisphere.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Furthermore, nutrient inputs to coniferous forest soils have been shown to increase forest floor turnover rates, soil N capital and litter N concentrations, as well as alter the populations of soil fungi, bacteria and litter invertebrates [ 52- 54].

BMC Ecology

Grading juveniles and selective harvesting slightly altered the population dynamics and structure, although the general population development showed similar patterns in ponds stocked with upper, lower, and ungraded juveniles, or selectively harvested.

Aquaculture

The goats altered the population dynamics of C. guadalupensis, killing mature trees by eating their bark, and impeding new recruitment by browsing seedlings [5].

Plosone

This improvement has altered the population pyramid in Indonesia, with increasing numbers of older people.

Global Health Action

It is possible that the RCT interventions would have altered the population cohort's integrity, but for most interventions, the bias should be no different from that found in a normal observation study.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of external factors on a group, use "alter the population" to accurately describe how those factors change the characteristics of the group being studied.

Common error

Avoid implying that simply observing a change in a population automatically identifies the cause. Clearly state the factor that is directly influencing the population shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alter the population" functions as a verb phrase where "alter" is the verb and "the population" is the direct object. The phrase is used to describe an action performed on a population, causing a change in its characteristics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "alter the population" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a change in the composition, size, or distribution of a group, as verified by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. While it's not an extremely common phrase, it's suitable for formal and neutral registers. Several alternative phrases, such as "change population demographics" or "modify population structure", can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The phrase is useful in describing population dynamics and is important to use accurately when discussing factors that influence demographic changes. It’s crucial to avoid implying causation without sufficient evidence when using the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change population demographics

Focuses on the demographic aspect of the population being altered.

modify population structure

Highlights altering the internal arrangement and relationships within the population.

reshape population composition

Emphasizes the changing makeup of the population.

transform population dynamics

Highlights altering the forces that drive population change.

influence population growth

Focuses on affecting the size and expansion of the population.

impact population levels

Highlights the effect on the quantity or extent of the population.

shift population distribution

Emphasizes the change in how the population is spread across an area.

affect population numbers

Focuses on directly influencing the numerical size of the population.

modulate population density

Highlights controlling or adjusting the concentration of the population in a given space.

reconfigure population makeup

Emphasizes rearranging the constituent parts of the population.

FAQs

What does "alter the population" mean in scientific research?

In scientific research, "alter the population" refers to the process of changing the genetic makeup, size, distribution, or other characteristics of a group of organisms or individuals. This can be due to factors like mutation, selection, migration, or environmental changes.

What are some synonyms for "alter the population"?

Some synonyms for "alter the population" include "change population demographics", "modify population structure", or "reshape population composition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can drug treatments "alter the population" of quasispecies?

Drug treatments can "alter the population" of quasispecies by selectively inhibiting the replication or survival of certain variants, leading to a shift in the relative abundance of different quasispecies within the population. This can lead to drug resistance or changes in disease progression.

In what contexts might demographic shifts "alter the population" structure?

Demographic shifts, such as aging populations, migration patterns, or changes in birth rates, can "alter the population" structure by changing the proportions of different age groups, ethnicities, or other demographic categories within a society. This can have significant social, economic, and political consequences.