Final answer:
The statement is false; dispersion patterns are indeed an essential variable in population studies, alongside population size and density. Dispersion patterns help to understand the spatial organization and interactions of species within their environment, and affect genetic variation and potential for adaptation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that key population variables do not include dispersion patterns, but include density, is false. Dispersion patterns are indeed a key aspect of population studies. Population density and population distribution are essential variables that provide insights into how species occupy space in their habitat. For instance, two populations might have the same density but could exhibit different dispersion patterns, such as clumped, uniform, or random spacing. The dispersion pattern can significantly affect ecological relationships, like mating success and competition for resources, and is influenced by both the species' characteristics and environmental factors.
Understanding both the size and density of a population is crucial for ecological studies, but knowing the dispersion pattern of a population also offers critical information on how individuals are spread within their habitat. These patterns can often indicate the type of interactions that occur within and between species in an ecosystem. Additionally, the dispersion pattern can impact a population's genetic variation and, therefore, its potential for adaptation.