Material Detail

This simulation/tutorial consists of three topics. In topic 1, students conduct a study of a zebra mussel population in a fictitious lake and present their findings during a virtual teleconference. Students will: 1) review qualitative descriptions of growth curves for the exponential and logistic models, selecting one to test at the lake; 2) collect and plot data, and determine which of the models the data fits; 3) answer questions about populations at other localities by calculating rmax, t, and N using their data. In topic 2, students review the math and biology behind the logistic growth model with the help of a fish population. Students will: 1) complete interactive explorations of density-dependence and carrying capacity, the difference between r (realized intrinsic rate of increase or per capita, growth rate), rmax, (maximum intrinsic rate of increase and dN/dt (population growth rate), how growth rate changes over time while r decreases; and 2) summarize and compare properties of exponential and logistic growth. In topic 3, students follow the growth of the Kruger National Park elephant population from 1903-1996. While following the history of the population, students calculate values using the logistic equation. Students will complete a case study in which they: 1) learn the biological and sociopolitical history of the KNP elephants; 2) calculate dN/dt, N, and 1-(N/K) over time; 3) explain how assumptions of logistic growth affect the shape of the curve; and 4) evaluate how well the KNP population fits the logistic model.

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