Strange Days on Planet Earth: Predators

SWBAT describe factors that limit growth of plant and/or animal populations in a natural ecosystem..

SWBAT describe population density and factors that affect population density.
Answer the following questions in your journal as you watch the movies.
1. In Venezuela, damming a major river to produce electricity has flooded once lush tropical forests.
The remaining fragmented islands are overrun by bands of howler monkeys, iguanas and leaf cutter
ants. What is driving the overpopulation of these animals?
2. How are missing wolves from Yellowstone affecting trees (aspen) and shrubs (willows)?
3. Following a controversial wolf reintroduction led by biologist Doug Smith, the elk population has
stabilized in Yellowstone Park. What affect is this having on the trees and shrubs?
4. What other effects does bringing back the wolves have on the Yellowstone ecosystem?
5. Explain how algae are affecting the Caribbean coral reefs.
6. Explain why predatory fish such as sharks, groupers and jacks are declining in Caribbean coral reefs.
7. With the absence of predatory fish you would expect an increase in population density of the fish
that they prey on (medium and small fish that graze on the algae and keep algae numbers down).
Instead algae continue to overpopulate and kill the reef. Explain why algae continue to take over the
reef.
8. Predators play some very important roles in the ‘web of life’. In your own words, summarize the
importance of predators to ecosystems. Use concrete details in your response.
Strange Days on Planet Earth: Predators

SWBAT describe factors that limit growth of plant and/or animal populations in a natural ecosystem..

SWBAT describe population density and factors that affect population density.
Answer the following questions in your journal as you watch the movies.
1. In Venezuela, damming a major river to produce electricity has flooded once lush tropical forests.
The remaining fragmented islands are overrun by bands of howler monkeys, iguanas and leaf cutter
ants. What is driving the overpopulation of these animals?
2. How are missing wolves from Yellowstone affecting trees (aspen) and shrubs (willows)?
3. Following a controversial wolf reintroduction led by biologist Doug Smith, the elk population has
stabilized in Yellowstone Park. What affect is this having on the trees and shrubs?
4. What other effects does bringing back the wolves have on the Yellowstone ecosystem?
5. Explain how algae are affecting the Caribbean coral reefs.
6. Explain why predatory fish such as sharks, groupers and jacks are declining in Caribbean coral reefs.
7. With the absence of predatory fish you would expect an increase in population density of the fish
that they prey on (medium and small fish that graze on the algae and keep algae numbers down).
Instead algae continue to overpopulate and kill the reef. Explain why algae continue to take over the
reef.
8. Predators play some very important roles in the ‘web of life’. In your own words, summarize the
importance of predators to ecosystems. Use concrete details in your response.