Explain how predation can act as a limiting factor for a population, using the squirrel example from the video.

Predation limits the squirrel population because the more squirrels there are, the more food there is for predators like hawks, cats, owls, snakes, and raccoons. Increased predation can decrease the squirrel population.

What is population density, and how do birth, death, immigration, and emigration affect it?

Population density is the number of individuals in a specific area. Birth and immigration increase population density, while death and emigration decrease it.

Differentiate between density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors. Give an example of each from the video.

Density-dependent factors are influenced by the population density (e.g., food, water, shelter, space, predation, disease). Density-independent factors are not influenced by population density (e.g., wildfire).

Population Limits In Ecosystems Lesson Plan for 8th Grade

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Objective

I can explain how carrying capacity limits the size of populations in an ecosystem.

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

12 questions

Define carrying capacity in your own words. How does it relate to the resources available in an environment?

List four resources that can affect the carrying capacity of a squirrel population.

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

“Explain how the availability of resources like food and nesting space can limit the size of a squirrel population in a forest.”

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Population Limits in Ecosystems

Objective

Warm-up video

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Exit ticket

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