Population

Dynamics/Impacts Follow-Up Questions

LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors
affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
LS 2-6 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.

Bacteria and micooorganisms play an important role in overall ecosystem function. Review the food web,
nitrogen cycle graphic (which should be a review), and infographic showing the various roles of
microorganisms and answer the following questions.

In the space below, sketch a graphical representation that shows how the interaction of soil microbes,
plants, herbivores, and carnivores affects population sizes over the course of 10 years. Assume all of
these organisms are native to the area and this habitat has been undisturbed by humans for quite some
time. You may estimate the carrying capacity of each. When constructing your graph, recall what we
have learned about in Unit 2 about relative numbers of individuals of differing trophic levels. In other
words, who should have a higher carrying capacity: bacteria or carnivores?















You are now going to show the effects of different disturbances on your ecosystem. For each scenario,
you must include a GRAPH showing the effects of the disturbance on each population and a
JUSTIFICATION for this depiction. Be sure to identify how the biodiversity of the soil microbes, plant life,
herbivore population, and carnivore population changes and predict the future of this ecosystem.

1. A nuclear power company is accidentally disposing of toxic waste and it gets into the soil, killing
many of the microorganisms living there. The issue is quickly detected and corrected after a few
days.
2. A landowner recently purchased this habitat and is concerned with forest fires decides to remove
the buildup of dead leaves on his property and rakes up as much as he can.
3. The carnivores in this ecosystem are sighted too close to newly residential areas. Traps, poisons,
and cages are placed around the habitat to minimize this issue.
4. The habitat is converted into farmland.