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.