Population Biology
Notebook Lab
Introduction:
Describe two models of population growth. Explain why the two models exist.
Hypothesis:
How would you expect an invasive species to impact the growth of a native species in a marsh?
Methods:
Use the data tables given for phragmites and cattails to make a graph on excel to show population growth throughout the
summer in a marshland.
Phragmites
Days
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Number of Individuals
10
15
20
40
80
160
300
600
Cattails
Days
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Number of Individuals
10
30
40
80
100
120
125
125
Analysis:
What is the carrying capacity of each population?
Conclusion:
Which is the invasive species and which is the native species?
How did the growth of the invasive species affect the native species?
What could be the limiting factor for the population undergoing logistic growth?
Which population is in homeostasis with its environment?
An insect population comes in and begins to eat the phragmites. What would happen to the population of phragmites? The
insects? What type of reproductive strategy might the insect use.
Native birds like the Red Wing blackbird eat Cattails. What happens to the bird population as the cattails population is limited.
What type of reproductive strategy do you think cattails have and why?
How might conservation biologists control Phragmites and preserve native Cattails?
Cane Toad Video:
Homework Reflection--
Write your answers below!
Summarize the story of the Cane Toads in a paragraph. Then read the article on Purple Loosestrife. Discuss how the
purple loosestrife in New England are are both similar and different from the Cane Toads. Then, discuss whether or not
you think that the control of purple loosestrife with an introduced beetles is a good idea! (Should take up this whole side
of the page!)