Content Objective: By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of population dynamics and growth, including estimation techniques, factors influencing population size, and the concept of carrying capacity.
Language Objective: Using appropriate scientific vocabulary and language, participants will engage in discussions, written explanations, and presentations to explain the principles of population dynamics, estimate population sizes, analyze growth curves, and discuss the interplay between populations, resources, and competition.
Syllabus Details:
C4.1.1—Populations as interacting groups of organisms of the same species living in an area - "Students should understand that members of a population normally breed and that reproductive isolation is used to distinguish one population of a species from another."
C4.1.5—Carrying capacity and competition for limited resources - "A simple definition of carrying capacity is sufficient, with some examples of resources that may limit carrying capacity."
C4.1.6—Negative feedback control of population size by density-dependent factors - "Numbers of individuals in a population may fluctuate due to density-independent factors, but densitydependent factors tend to push the population back towards the carrying capacity. In addition to competition for limited resources, include the increased risk of predation and the transfer of pathogens or pests in dense populations."
C4.1.7—Population growth curves - "Students should study at least one case study in an ecosystem. A lag phase is not expected as a part of sigmoid population growth. Students should understand reasons for exponential growth in the initial phases. "
C4.1.8—Modelling of the sigmoid population growth curve - "Students should test the growth of a population against the model of exponential growth using a graph with a logarithmic scale for size of population on the vertical axis and a nonlogarithmic scale for time on the horizontal axis."
Activity 5 - Interpreting Growth Curves (Optional)
Wildebeest Activity - Clip 1
Wildebeest Activity - Clip 2
Wildebeest Activity - Clip 3
Wildebeest Activity - Clip 5 (show at the end)
A. Strengthen Your Skills
B. Expand Your Knowledge