Data gathered over time may show changes in the populations of animals living in an ecosystem. Observations of populations in a laboratory can be used to determine the effects of isolated environmental factors in a controlled setting. Observations of wild populations can be used to determine the interactions of animal populations with their complex environments. Responsible management practices are necessary to preserve healthy populations of animals. Changes in the environmental factors of an ecosystem may result in changes in the populations of animals living there.
Humans can make conscious decisions to minimize the impact of their actions on wild populations.