Final answer:
As sea lions grow into adulthood, their overall body size increases, with males growing larger than females which is characteristic for their sexually dimorphic nature. This growth can confer survival and reproductive benefits, affecting population dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The parameter that is increasing overall as sea lions develop into adults is body size. During development, male elephant seals, for example, can grow up to 14 feet long, while females can grow to 11 feet long. This follows the general pattern of sexual dimorphism observed in pinnipeds, where males are larger than females, particularly in polygynous species where one male mates with multiple females.
The development of sea lions is influenced by several factors, including genetics, food availability, and habitat conditions. The increase in body size is associated with survival advantages, such as improved thermoregulation and competitive ability for mates during breeding seasons.
These advantages often lead to increased reproductive success for larger individuals, which can ultimately cause changes in population dynamics. For instance, if the major food source of seals declines due to pollution or overfishing, the carrying capacity of the environment may decrease leading to potential declines in the population despite the individual growth during development.