Mono Lake Population Dynamics HEADING:
Make predictions:
1.
Predict: How would the algae population be affected by seasonal changes in the abiotic factors in
Mono Lake? Be specific about which factors you are talking about.
2.
Predict: How would the algae population be affected by an increase in the size of the brine shrimp population?
Analyze the Data:
3.
In what month does the algae population peak? ____________________________In what month does the brine shrimp population peak? _______________________________ What explanation do you have for the timing of each peak relative to one another? (Why do/don’t they peak at the same time?)
4.
Which factor turned out to be the single most limiting factor on the algae population?
____________________________________________________ Is this factor biotic or abiotic? _____________________.
How do you know this factor is the most limiting to the algae? What DATA supports your conclusion?
5.
Why do you think there are no brine shrimp in Mono Lake during November, December, January, and February? What limiting factor is affecting the carrying capacity for this population the most during those months?
6.
What limiting factor is most affecting the brine shrimps’ carrying capacity during the rest of the year (March-October)? Explain.
(over)

7.
In what month do birds begin to arrive at Mono Lake? ____________________Why do the bird populations migrate to Mono Lake at this time? Discuss biotic and abiotic factors that probably influence this behavior. a.
Biotic: b.
Abiotic:
8.
Why don’t all 3 bird populations show up at the same time? Think about reasons why arriving at the same time wouldn’t be possible, and/or why there might be an advantage to arriving at different times.
9.
Give an example of a predatory interaction in the Mono Lake ecosystem. Explain what data (from the data sheets) supports your claim that these populations have a predatory interaction. (What data supports your assertion that one population is eating another?)
10.
Give an example of a competitive interaction in the Mono Lake ecosystem, and explain what data supports your claim that these populations are competing with one another over something
(specify what you think they are competing for.)