small population size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small population size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, ecology, or demographics when discussing the number of individuals in a specific population. Example: "The small population size of the endangered species makes it vulnerable to extinction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To a certain extent, small population size is the culprit.

The Economist

The towns were selected because of their small population size, relative remoteness from large cities, and geographic location.

Yale University

One-half the maximum theoretical or estimated net productivity rate of the stock at a small population size.

Cornell University

Furthermore, with small population size, MOMCMC also shows effectiveness in sampling complicated multi-objective function space.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Long survey duration can provide accurate estimations for long-lived birds even for small population size (15 pairs).

Biological Conservation

The authors hypothesize that an advantage of mutation-driven codon bias that it would be beneficial for organisms with small population size or otherwise inefficient selection.

Nature

Many of China's 55 ethnic minority groups have a small population size.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

A key limitation of the current study was the small population size.

EJNMMI Research

However, no such relationship could be found, possibly due to the small population size.

EJNMMI Research

Also, their small population size means that genetic drift influences their evolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Our study is somewhat limited by its retrospective nature and relatively small population size.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of a "small population size" on genetic diversity, clearly state the specific consequences, such as increased inbreeding or reduced adaptive potential. For example, instead of just mentioning "small population size", add that it can 'lead to a loss of genetic variation, making the population more vulnerable to environmental changes'.

Common error

Avoid directly attributing all negative outcomes solely to "small population size" without considering other contributing factors like habitat loss or pollution. Overstating causation makes your argument less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small population size" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in English. Its primary role is to denote the quantity or number of individuals within a defined group, particularly in scientific or demographic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "small population size" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase, predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a limited number of individuals within a group and is crucial for discussing related factors like genetic diversity, extinction risks, and evolutionary changes. While its usage is straightforward, remember to avoid overstating causation and consider other contributing factors. Alternatives like "limited population size" or "reduced population size" can provide subtle variations in meaning, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing. The frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its importance in scholarly discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited population size

Focuses on the restricted nature of the population's dimensions.

reduced population size

Emphasizes that the population's size has diminished from a previous state.

low population size

Directly indicates that the population number is not high.

minimal population size

Highlights the population size being at the lowest possible level.

narrow population size

Implies a restricted or limited range in the number of individuals.

modest population size

Suggests the population number is unexceptional or moderate.

restricted population size

Similar to limited, indicating constraints on population growth.

diminutive population size

Uses a more descriptive word for a very small population.

minute population size

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the population.

scarce population size

Focuses on the rarity and limited availability of individuals.

FAQs

How does "small population size" affect a species' survival?

A "small population size" can reduce genetic diversity, making the species more susceptible to diseases, environmental changes, and inbreeding depression, increasing the risk of extinction. Addressing these issues often requires conservation efforts to increase population numbers and manage genetic diversity.

What are some alternative phrases for "small population size"?

You can use alternatives like "limited population size", "reduced population size", or "low population size" depending on the context.

How does "small population size" relate to genetic drift?

"Small population size" intensifies the effects of genetic drift, which is the random change in the frequency of gene variants (alleles) in a population. In small populations, genetic drift can lead to the loss of beneficial alleles or the fixation of harmful ones more quickly than in larger populations.

Is "small population size" always a negative thing?

While generally a risk factor, a "small population size" in a newly founded population (founder effect) can lead to rapid adaptation to a new environment if the founding individuals possess traits well-suited to the new conditions. However, the long-term consequences often involve reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability.