Topics Explored: K- and r- Selected Species, Survivorship Curves, Carrying Capacity, Population Growth, Endangered Species, Human Activities on Biodiversity, Math
This case study explores the population journey of the canada goose, hunted from an estimated population of 1 million to 100,000 by the late 1800s. With protection, the bird's population has exploded to over 7 million in 2023. Answer key included.
Case Study: Canada Geese (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 2 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
3.2 Identify differences between K- and r-selected species.
3.3 Explain survivorship curves.
3.4 Describe carrying capacity. Describe the impact of carrying capacity on ecosystems.
3.5 Explain how resource availability affects population growth.
8.5 Explain the environmental effects of excessive use of fertilizers and detergents on aquaticecosystems.
8.14 Identify sources of human health issues that are linked to pollution.
9.9 Explain how species become endangered and strategies to combat the problem.
9.10 Explain how human activities affect biodiversity and strategies to combat the problem.AP® Environmental Science Practices:
1: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
2: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes.
3: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.
4: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.
5: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, and graphs.
6: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
7: Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems.AP® is a registered trademark registered by the College Board®. This work/product/service has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the College Board®.