Population Dynamics Lab Report

Instructions: As you complete each slide of the Population Dynamics Virtual Lab Activity, please fill in this lab report with the appropriate information and data.

Title:

Objective(s):

Hypotheses:

Variables:

Materials:
1. The Population Dynamics Virtual Lab Activity
2. Population Dynamics Lab Report

Procedures:
The procedures are listed in Population Dynamics Virtual Lab Activity. You do not need to include them here.

Data and Observations
Table 1: Predation and Carrying Capacity
Trial Starting Seal
Population Starting Whale
Population Highest Seal
Population Highest Whale
Population
1 25 25
2 25
3 25

Table 2: Growth Rate and Capture Efficiency
Trial Seal
Birth Rate Whale
Birth Rate Highest Seal
Population Highest Whale
Population
1 0.05 0.005
2 0.005

Table 3: Death Rate and Capture Efficiency
Trial Whale Death Rate Whale Capture Efficiency Highest Seal
Population Highest Whale
Population
1 0.05 0.005
2 0.005

Conclusion:
Be sure to answer the following reflection questions as a summary in the conclusion of your lab report:
• Were your hypotheses correct or incorrect? Why or why not?
• Using Table 1, which of the three trials produced the highest population for both the whales and the seals? Why do you think this trial had the best outcome for the whale and seal populations?
• Using Table 2 and 3, explain how the birth rates of the seals and the death rates of the whales affected the population for both whales and seals.

Questions:
Using what you have learned from the lesson and the virtual lab activity, answer the following questions in complete sentences:
1. Climate change (an abiotic factor) has slowly decreased habitat for the arctic seals. Predict how a reduction in habitat could change the capture efficiency of the killer whales. How would this affect the carrying capacities for both the whales and the seals?
2. If another source of prey were available to the whales, what changes in population size would you expect for the seals and the whales?
3. What are the limitations of the population dynamics lab? Is the lab activity a realistic representation of an arctic marine ecosystem? Note: Please provide detailed support for your opinion.