02.06 Population Growth _ Schoology

11/8/23, 4:45 PM AP Environmental Science https://edenpr.schoology.com/external_tool/2790779015/launch 1/4 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : BIODIVERSITY AND POPULATIONS : 02.06 POPULATION GROWTH Assessment Population growth is limited by abiotic and biotic factors, such as habitat, food, water, temperature, presence of an invasive species, or ecological relationships within a community. There is a limited and finite amount of resources in an ecosystem. When resources are abundant, the populations flourish; when resources are scare, the populations shrink. An unequal amount of resources goes to a small part of the population, resulting in death or decreased reproduction. The populations eventually fall below carrying capacity, and the cycle slowly begins again. For this lesson’s science skills, you practiced making predictions, explaining trends, and supporting conclusions using data related to environmental issues or solutions. You also practiced mathematical calculations in order to make predictions, examine data, and explain population phenomena. Population Growth Activity A major theme of AP Environmental Science is the interconnectedness of all life forms. In a closed system, a cycle develops, with population sizes increasing and decreasing over time. The maximum and minimum size of each population, as well as the time frame over which the populations increase and decrease, depend on various parameters such as the prey growth rate, the predator death rate, and how difficult it is for the predator to capture the prey. This lab activity will allow us to investigate the relationship between predator and prey and how a change in a particular parameter can lead to changes in the population growth cycle. Introduction Killer whales and seals have a predator-prey relationship. Killer whales are predators and hunt the seals, their prey, for food. Due to their relationship, the killer whale and seal populations are interconnected; one population limits the growth of the other. In addition to predation, due to competition for resources, seals also die from starvation. After observation and tracking both populations, marine biologists studying an Arctic bay count five killer whales and 100 seals during their first visit. They study the whale and seal populations for another ten years and record this data. During the study, the

11/8/23, 4:45 PM AP Environmental Science https://edenpr.schoology.com/external_tool/2790779015/launch 2/4 scientists note the fish population, a food source for seals, was steady and did not fluctuate during the time of the study. Download the Population Growth Report to analyze the seal and whale population data from the study. Population Growth Grading Rubric Master Scientist Skilled Scientist Developing Scientist Novice Scientist Hypothesis 3 points The hypothesis predicts and clearly explains how the variables of the experiment are related. 2 points The hypothesis predicts and attempts to explain how the variables of the experiment are related. 1 point The hypothesis makes a prediction but does not explain how the variables of the experiment are related. 0 points The report does not include a hypothesis. Data Tables 10 points Data tables are complete with accurate values. 9–6 points Data tables are missing some values or have few errors . 5–1 points Data tables are missing many values or have several errors . 0 points The report does not include data tables. Graph 12 points The graph contains all key features for both populations, is accurate , and has correct label for carrying capacity. 11–8 points The graph is missing some components or has a few errors . 7–1 points The graph is missing several components or has many errors . 0 points The report does not include a graph. 

11/8/23, 4:45 PM AP Environmental Science https://edenpr.schoology.com/external_tool/2790779015/launch 4/4 2. Complete the Population Growth Report . 3. Submit the 02.06 Population Growth assignment. Unless Otherwise Noted All Content © 2023 Florida Virtual School. FlexPoint™ is a trademark of Florida Virtual School.