SC15.BIO.9

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Biology

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

Students know:

Exponential population growth occurs when the growth rate is proportional to the size of the population (J shaped curve).
Logistic population growth shows the population leveling off when it reaches carrying capacity (S shaped curve).
Linear population growth is the addition of the same number of organisms to the population at a constant rate, no matter the size of the population (strait line growth).
Environmental factors (density-independent factors) that can impact population growth (flood, drought, extreme heat or cold, etc.).
Ecological factors (density-dependent) that can affect population growth (e.g., predation, disease, parasites, competition).

Students are able to:

Use data to create graphs.
Calculate doubling time for a population.
Mathematically compare populations experiencing varying conditions.
Investigate various factors (both environmental and ecological) that impact population growth.
Draw conclusions from population growth graphs.
Using various visual representations of data, make claims about specific causes and effects.

Students understand that:

An important characteristic of any population is its growth rate.
Some populations remain approximately the same size from year to year while others vary in size depending on conditions within their habitats.
Populations tend to stabilize near the carrying capacity of their environment.