PDS AP Environmental Science 8th Period 2010-11

The Isle Royale simulation in class points out the significance of free population growth, the presence of predators, and the availability of food in an ecosystem. The three simulations that we did focus on each of these and their effects on the populations of moose and wolves. Exercise 1 This exercise focused on the population [...]

After having learned about the different biomes and aquatic life zones, it was important to understand the relationships and connections associated between them. The planet is not simply categorized by individual biomes. It is a “complex network of interlinked systems.” Be sure to understand the CONNECTIONS between biomes, not simply the biome. While categorizing these [...]

This 18-minute video was made by me a few years ago. While it is a bit grainy, it covers the major field research techniques I try to show students at Davidson each year. It’s mandatory viewing if you did not go, and a good review if you did: You can also check out Miriam’s post [...]

Here is the slide deck from today’s class on succession. Remember: 1.  Succession involves more than just a change in producers. 2.  A climax community is not necessarily the outcome of a linear progression. 3.  A little disturbance ain’t so bad, it just “resets” succession (and might increase biodiversity). Oh, and here are a few [...]

Today I elaborated on some good examples of keystone species (population control and engineer type) as well as introducing the term foundation species…this short slide show goes with the handout you can download from “the box.” Keystone and Foundation Species View more presentations from Derrick Willard.

The basis of our discussion today…hope it clears up “relationship issues” in ecological communities: Species interactions View more presentations from Derrick Willard.

Today we began an introduction to ecology. Where as our previous biology courses focused on the biological makeup and functions of organisms, environmental science has a huge focus on ecology, which focuses on the relationships that exist between organisms and their physical surroundings. We began by looking at the levels of organization of life: Biosphere [...]