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Population Regulation in the Serengeti

Photo of a herd of wildebeest preparing to cross a river.

Topic

  • Ecology
  • Populations
  • Math & Computational Skills
  • Data Analysis
  • Graph Interpretation

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Case Studies

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
39 Users
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Description

In this activity, students learn about the factors that regulate the population sizes of wildebeest and buffalo in Serengeti National Park.

Throughout the activity, students watch clips from the short film Serengeti: Nature’s Living Laboratory featuring scientists involved in this research. They also examine and analyze authentic scientific data for these populations. At the end, students apply what they learned to other populations of their choosing. 

This activity can be conducted in large classes as an interrupted case study by using the accompanying “Slide Deck,” which contains links to the film clips and clicker questions to assess and develop students’ understanding. Alternatively, students can complete the accompanying “Student Handout” on their own or in small groups. The handout has the same links and questions as in the slides.
 

Student Learning Targets

  • Explain how different factors (top-down/bottom-up, density-independent/density-dependent) regulate population sizes and apply an understanding of these terms to real populations.
  • Compare and contrast exponential and logistic population growth, recognizing the carrying capacity associated with the latter.
  • Make predictions and use scientific evidence to identify factors that affect the growth of actual populations.
  • Use evidence to infer how migration changes the impact of density-dependent factors on population growth.
  • Interpret graphs to make claims based on evidence.
     

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

bottom-up, density-dependent, density-independent, exponential growth, logistic growth, migration, population dynamics, predation, top-down, wildebeest

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. Other file types meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 07.06.20
Date Updated 06.21.21

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2

AP Biology (2019)

SYI-1.G, SYI-1.H, ENE-4.B; SP2, SP4, SP5

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.5

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 1.1, 1.9, 1.11, 2.5, 3.4, 3.5
Learning Objectives & Practices: ERT-1.A, ENG-1.B, ENG-1.D ERT-2.G, ERT-3.D, ERT-3.F, SP1, SP2, SP4, SP5

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9-12.1, ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.RST.9-12.7; MP2, MP5
 

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5

Materials

Educator Materials (PDF) 383 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 398 KB
Slide Deck (PPT) 4 MB

Use This Resource With

Video Resource
Serengeti: Nature’s Living Laboratory

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