Oh Deer: Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity!

Activity: Oh Deer!

Main Point: Students will have a working knowledge for carrying capacity and understand how limiting factors contribute to population size.

Vocabulary: Limiting Factor, Carrying Capacity, Trophic Level, Food Chain

Helpful Information:

1. What are limiting factors? Link 1 Link 2

2. Understanding carrying capacity. Link

Q:1 What caused the population decline in 1987?

Q:2 How can the data collected be used to describe the population? Give examples.

Q:3 How can scientist use environmental carrying capacity studies to decide hunting and fishing quotas?

Quick Frozen Critters

Q:1 Why do limiting factors affect the number of organisms living?

Q:2 If you are a country leader, how would you direct a plan to feed your starving nation? Support your answer with facts learned in class.

Main Point is to help students better understand the 10% rule within trophic levels.

Vocabulary: Energy Pyramid, Trophic Levels, Food Chain

Additional Help:

1. Energy Pyramid Ocean

2. Energy Pyramid Video

3. How to play

4. Data Collection