In terms of population dynamics, how is an "open population" characterized?

An "open population" is characterized by the free movement of individuals into and out of the population. This type of population allows for immigration (individuals moving into the population) and emigration (individuals leaving the population), leading to dynamic changes in population sizes. This concept is crucial in understanding how populations fluctuate due to various factors such as availability of resources, environmental changes, and human activities.

In contrast, limited migration would indicate restrictions on the movement of individuals, which would not align with the characteristics of an open population. Stable conditions refer to a lack of significant changes in the environment or resources, which does not accurately describe the dynamic nature of an open population. Lastly, the absence of resource competition might suggest a relaxed environment where individuals do not compete for limited resources, but open populations can still experience competition as new individuals enter and interact within a shared habitat. Thus, the defining quality of an open population is the unrestricted movement of individuals.