Topics Explored: Aquatic Biomes, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Phosphorus Cycle, Hydrologic Cycle, Solar Energy, Trophic Levels, Keystone Species, Food Chains and Food Webs
This case study examines largemouth bass function as a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems of North America. Students will investigate food chains, food webs, and ecosystem dynamics while uncovering how solar energy and biogeochemical cycles sustain life beneath the water’s surface. As largemouth bass are a keystone species within their aquatic biome, this case study is a keystone activity for APES Unit 1. Answer key included.
Case Study: Largemouth Bass (Teacher & Student Edition)
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(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
HS-LS2-1: Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
HS-LS2-6: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms.
HS-LS2-3: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
HS-LS2-4: Use a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
HS-LS2-3: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
HS-LS2-2: Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems.
HS-LS2-4: Use a model to illustrate the flow of energy through a food web and identify the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers.
HS-LS2-6: Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms.
HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
HS-ESS3-3: Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, sustainability, and biodiversity.
HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
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:
1.1 Explain how the availability of resources influences species interactions.
1.3 Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects of aquatic biomes.
1.4 Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the carbon cycle.
1.5 Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the nitrogen cycle.
1.6 Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the phosphorus cycle.
1.7 Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the hydrologic cycle.
1.8 Explain how solar energy is acquired and transferred by living organisms.
1.9 Explain how energy flows and matter cycles through trophic levels.
1.10 Determine how the energy decreases as it flows through ecosystems.
1.11 Describe food chains and food webs, and their constituent members by trophic level.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® .