Topics Explored: Ecology, Biodiversity, Biomagnification, Scientific Writing
This case study explores the important role played by mountain lions (Puma concolor) in ecosystems, their conservation status, the impacts of bioaccumulation and biomagnification on their population, their reproductive potential, and the application of the Endangered Species Act. Answer key included.
Case Study: Mountain Lion (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 2 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS2-1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-2. Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-ESS2-7. Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
2.1 Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
3.4 Describe carrying capacity. Describe the impact of carrying capacity on ecosystems.
3.5 Explain how resource availability affects population growth.
5.14 Describe integrated pest management. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of integrated pestmanagement (IPM).
8.8 Describe bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Describe the effects of bioaccumulation andbiomagnification.
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®.