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Analyzing Patterns in the Savanna Landscape

Topic

  • Ecology
  • Ecosystems
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Visual & Physical Models

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:07:57
Saved By
14 Users
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View in Spanish

Description

This video showcases the work of mathematician-turned-biologist Corina Tarnita, who uses quantitative approaches to understand the role of termite mounds in the savanna ecosystem.

Termite mounds are biological hotspots that concentrate nutrients and water in semiarid savanna ecosystems. When viewed from above, the mounds form a strikingly regular polka-dot pattern. Tarnita uses mathematical modeling to explain the regularity of this pattern, how it arises, and how the mounds enhance the stability of the ecosystem.

The accompanying “Student Worksheet” incorporates concepts and information from the video.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Student Learning Targets

  • Examine research practices.
  • Develop scientific explanations and justify claims using evidence.
  • Explain what spatial patterns can reveal about ecosystems.
     

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period to complete the associated handout.

Key Terms

ecosystem resilience, geometry, mathematics, termite mound

Primary Literature

Bonachela Juan A., Robert M. Pringle, Efrat Sheffer, Tyler C. Coverdale, Jennifer A. Guyton, Kelly K. Caylor, Simon A. Levin, Corina E. Tarnita, 2015. Ecological feedbacks. Termite mounds can increase the robustness of dryland ecosystems to climatic change. Science 347, 6222 (2015): 651-5. https://doi.org10.1126/science.1261487.
 

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria. Video files meet criteria. Spanish files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 11.11.15
Date Updated 06.15.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2.C, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6; SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-4.A, ENE-4.B, SYI-1.H; SP2, SP4, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

C.2

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.D

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.2, 3.4, 7.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7, WHST.9-12.1
Math.N-Q.1, Math.S-ID.1, Math.S-ID.2; MP2, MP3, MP4, MP7

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP2

Materials

HD (M4V) 291 MB
HD (WMV) 239 MB
SD (M4V) 65 MB
SD (WMV) 65 MB
Transcript (PDF) 132 KB
Spanish Dub - Español (M4V) 306 MB
Transcript - Español (PDF) 253 KB
Student Worksheet (PDF) 1 MB
Student Worksheet - Español (PDF) 2 MB

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