Topics Explored: Biodiversity, Food Chains, Survivorship Curves, Ocean Warming
This case study explores the life history of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and the history of whaling. Students will encounter a series of traditional and non-traditional representations of data, and compare and contrast K-selected species and r-selected species, survivorship curves, and the impact of human activities on whale populations. Answer key included.
Case Study: North Atlantic Right Whale (Teacher & Student Edition)
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(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:
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.
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®.