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Niche Partitioning and DNA Metabarcoding

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Image of different animals and niches from the interactive

Topic

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Ecology
  • Communities

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
43 Users
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Description

This interactive module explores niche partitioning, a mechanism that enables similar species of animals to coexist.

In the two modules of this Click & Learn, students investigate how different herbivores can share the same habitat without outcompeting each other. In Module 1, students collect and analyze data from photos of herbivores foraging in the Kenyan savanna. In Module 2, they learn about the technique of metabarcoding, analyze DNA sequence data to determine the diets of the herbivores, visualize the data using Venn diagrams, and then compare diets by performing Sorensen index calculations. Throughout the Click & Learn, students summarize their data, justify claims, and answer questions in a virtual notebook that can be stored and printed.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.

Student Learning Targets

  • Analyze and interpret real field data
  • Identify patterns in data using graphing and statistical methods.
  • Support a claim using evidence from ecological principles and authentic field data.
  • Explain concepts and models related to species co-existence.
  • Identify limitations of traditional forms of data collection

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

barcode, biodiversity, buffalo, coexistence, competitive exclusion, diet, dung, impala, savanna, zebra

Primary Literature

Kartzinel, Tyler R., Patricia A. Chen, Tyler C. Coverdale, David L. Erickson, W. John Kress, Maria L. Kuzmina, Daniel I. Rubenstein, Wei Wang, and Robert M. Pringle. “DNA metabarcoding illuminates dietary niche partitioning by African large herbivores.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, 26 (2015): 8019–8024. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1503283112.

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. Interactive media meets criteria.

Version History

Date Published 01.22.18
Date Updated 12.23.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-1, HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6; SEP4

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.P, IST-5.A, ENE-4.B; SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.2

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 1.1
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-1.A, SP1, SP2, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.2, 3.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7, ELA.WHST.9-12.1
Math.N-Q.1; MP1, MP2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP2

Materials

Resource Google Folder (Link)
Student Worksheet (PDF) 752 KB

Related Science News

Not easy eating green: Herbivores most at extinction risk

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