Download SBI 4U Population Dynamics The last unit, Population Dynamics

SBI 4U Population Dynamics
The last unit, Population Dynamics, will be completed as an ISU. Select an endangered
species of your choice and use it as the model organism for this assignment. You will use
the questions below as a guide to create a visual essay using the organism you selected as
the “storyteller”.
So what exactly is a Visual Essay?
If an essay was a diagram or a picture, or a collection of pictures, what would
it look like?
A visual essay uses visuals (drawings, sketches, photos, magazine excerpts, internet
pictures etc) combined with text to demonstrate understanding, insights, themes, and the
intent of the work.
Look at this site for excellent examples of visual essays. http://www.frankejames.com/
Task: Create a visual essay that outlines the information you collect by answering the
questions below from the viewpoint of your organism. Your FIRST TASK is to do your
research by answering these questions. NOTE: you will need to answer all these
questions to be prepared for the final exam; however, you will not be expected to include all
the answers in your visual essay; nor is it necessary that they be included in the order
asked. I’ve bolded the questions I think could easily be incorporated. How you organize the
information is entirely up to you.
Endangered Organism : __________________________________
Part 1 : Characteristics of Populations
Read pages 584-587 in your textbook and then answer the following questions.
1. Define the term “habitat.” Provide an example.
2.
3.
a)
In order to study populations, scientists need to be able to describe a population. What are
THREE different measurements that scientists use to describe populations
b)
Define the terms “population size” and “population density.” How do these two terms differ from one
another? Provide an example of both.
a) What is meant by the term “population dispersion?” Describe the three types of dispersion
patterns. Include diagrams and an example of each type of dispersion pattern in nature.
b) What dispersion pattern does the species you selected follow? Do dispersion patterns of
populations always stay the same? Why or why not?
c) What are TWO different reasons why scientists often find it difficult to obtain an exact count of the total
number of individuals in a population?
Part 2: Measuring and Modeling Population Change
Read pages 593-600
1. Define each of the following terms: natality, mortality, emigration, and immigration and state how they affect
population size.
2. a) What is the formula that is used to determine “population growth” or “population change”?
b) A population of 2000 seals produces 950 young in one year. In the same period of time, 150 seals die.
If 50 seals leave the population to join another population, and 30 seals join the population under study,
what is the “population change” of the population under study? What is the population growth rate? (you
should substitute these numbers with ones that are more appropriate for the organism you selected)
3. a) What is meant by the term “fecundity”? List and describe three factors that could affect fecundity in a
population.
b) Do all species show the same fecundity? Provide examples of species with a high fecundity. Provide
examples of species with a low fecundity. What is the relationship between fecundity and parental care of
offspring? What is the fecundity of your organism? What factors affect fecundity of your organism?
5. Ecologists can describe a species’ ability to survive hardship based on information collected during
population studies. This information can be graphically represented by survivorship curves. Draw and describe
the three types of survivorship curves. What type of survivorship curve would be most representative of
the organisms you are studying? Why?
Read pages 600 - 608
1. Sketch population growth curves that resemble exponential growth and logistic growth.
Explain why the graphs appear the way they do.
2. What is meant by the term “carrying capacity of a population”?
3. What factors determine the carrying capacity of an ecosystem? What typically happens when
a population surpasses the carrying capacity of the ecosystem it’s in?
4. Look at the graph below and answer the
a. The graph shows a __________ growth
curve.
b. The carrying capacity for rabbits is ______
c. During which month were the rabbits in
exponential growth?
d. Why does the rabbit population level off?
5. Human beings are largely responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the population decline of
thousands of species on the endangered list. How has human activity impacted the population size
of the species you selected? Be specific. Don’t just say pollution or habitat loss. NOTE: this
question is important – do your research
Part 3: Factors That Affect Population Growth
Read pages 610-614
1. A limiting factor is any factor (abiotic or biotic) that limits the growth of a population. There are two
types: density-dependent factors and density-independent factors. Distinguish between the two types
using examples.
2. Distinguish between intraspecific competition and interspecific competition.
3.
a)
What is predation?
b)
How does predation operate as a density dependent factor?
c)
How does disease operate as a density dependent factor?
4. Classify each of the following situations as density-dependent or density-independent and explain your
reasoning:
a) A drought decreases the water level of a lake, thus decreasing its carrying capacity?
b) Lynx prey on snowshoe hares. An increase in the snowshoe hare population causes an increase in the lynx
population.
c) A forest fire destroys a large amount of habitat in a provincial park.
d) Increased water temperature causes many aquatic organisms to die.
e) Due to the introduction of a new species of fish, a lake becomes crowded and some species do not survive.
5. Identify some density-dependent and/or density-independent factors that are contributing to the
decline in population size of the organism you have selected to research.
Part 4: Interactions within Communities
Read pages 616-627
1. a)
What are the SIX different categories of population interactions between species? Provide an
example of each.
b)
What is meant by the term “symbiosis”? Which of the above six interactions are examples of
symbiotic relationships.
c)
Provide an example of a symbiotic relationship that involves your organism.
2. Describe the 5 types of defense mechanisms species can use to protect themselves. Identify the type of
defense mechanism that would most likely be used by the organism you are researching.
“Visual Essay” Requirements
1. Use digital story telling media at http://50ways.wikispaces.com/StoryTools ,
PowerPoint, Notebook, Photoshop, Illustrator, Word, Prezi, anything that allows you
to work with images and text
2. Include images and words to accompany the images. The text should supplement
the image, not overpower it. Play with fonts and font size for greater impact
3. Use as many slides and images as you need.
4. You may include animation or audio, but it is not a requirement.
5. You may work with a partner if you choose.
6. Your images can be copied from the internet or drawn by you (for example, in
photoshop or paint.
RUBRIC TO FOLLOW …..
REMEMBER: do all the research first, look at the information and group similar topics. Decide how you want to
deliver the information – there are no restrictions – other than making it as visual as possible