Experiencing Bluetooth® issues with Go Direct® sensors on Chromebooks? Get help here.

C4.1.5—Carrying capacity and competition for limited resources

Experiments

Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support this IB* topic.

Modeling Population Dynamics

Experiment #18 from Investigating Biology through Inquiry

In this Preliminary Activity, you will use a spreadsheet to model a simple exponential growth for one species. You will then explore the effects of carrying capacity, competition, and predators on population dynamics.

After completing the Preliminary Activity, you will first use reference sources to find out more about population dynamics before you choose and investigate a researchable question. Some topics to consider in your reference search are:

  • populations
  • communities
  • herbivores
  • predators
  • population dynamics
  • carrying capacity

Population Dynamics

Experiment #13 from Biology with Vernier

In this experiment, you will

  • Use a Spectrometer or Colorimeter to monitor a closed population of yeast.
  • Use a microscope to monitor a closed population of yeast.
  • Compare the population estimates obtained using the two different techniques.
  • Practice making dilutions for population counts.

Educational Standard
International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025
Subject
Biology
Theme
C Interactions and interdependence
Level of organization
4 Ecosystems
Topic
C41.1 Populations and communities
Section
Standard level and higher level

* The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.

SAVE/SHARE YOUR CART