Ecosystem Changes and Population Impacts
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Objective
I can argue, using evidence, how changes to living or nonliving things in an ecosystem affect what lives there.
Part 1 of 3
Warm-up video
MAD GARDEN Science · 6:16
We don't generate video — this one is by MAD GARDEN Science on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
7 questions
Define "carrying capacity" and explain what determines the carrying capacity of an ecosystem for a specific population, such as the squirrel population mentioned in the video.
Describe two density-dependent limiting factors and two density-independent limiting factors. Explain how each type of factor can affect the size of a population. Give specific examples from the video or create your own.
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Imagine a disease kills off many of the grasshoppers in the nature trail ecosystem described in the video. Argue how this change would affect the squirrel population. Suppose a large area of trees is cut down in the neighborhood with the passion vines and gulf fritillary butterflies. Argue how this change would affect the butterfly population. A new, larger species of bird that preys on squirrels moves into the nature trail ecosystem. Argue how this change would affect the squirrel population.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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