Topics Explored: Population, Biodiversity, Data Processing and Percent Change Analysis, Gather-Reason-Communicate with Evidence
This case study explores the remarkable comeback of the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) population in the United States, population trends, and survivorship strategies and curves. Answer key included.
Case Study: Wild Turkeys (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-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-LS4-6. Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on 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.
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®.