Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity – Student Guide Page 1 2026-03-30
Analyzing Factors That
Affect Carrying Capacity
and Biodiversity – Student
Guide
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Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity – Student Guide 1 Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity – Student Guide.pdf
, Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student Guide
Page 2 2026-03-30
Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
In this assignment, you will use simulations (found on slide 3 in the assignment section of the lesson)
to analyze how climate, resources, and habitat size affect carrying capacity. You will then look at another
simulation to analyze the effects of certain factors that affect biodiversity and populations. Finally, you will
write and revise a conclusion on how human activity affects biodiversity.
Background Information
Population growth is the change in size of a group of organisms of the same species over time. It is
affected by four factors: birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.
Carrying capacity is the maximum total population that an area can support. Carrying capacity limits
population growth and is affected by competition for food, water, shelter, or mates, and threat of
predators, disease, and parasites. Carrying capacity may be affected by one or a combination of these
factors.
Biodiversity is the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere. Biodiversity is affected by the loss
of habitat, introduction of invasive species, pollution, and/or human activities.
Materials
Computer with Internet access
Notebook
Pens
Assignment Instructions
Part I. Prepare for the project.
Step 1. Write your name on the top-right corner of the Student Worksheet.
a) The Student Worksheet can be found at the end of this document after the assignment
instructions.
Step 2. Read the entire Student Guide before you begin this project.
a) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance before you begin.
Step 3. Gather the materials you will need to complete this project.
Step 4. Complete Part I of the Student Worksheet (Quick Check).
Part II. Analyze factors that affect carrying capacity.
Step 1. Launch the Gizmo Rabbit Population by Season (found on slide 3 in the assignment
section of the lesson).
a) Be sure to follow the instructions in this guide and the Gizmo.
.
Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student
Analyzing
Guide
2 Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student Guide.pdf
Analyzing Factors That
Affect Carrying Capacity
and Biodiversity – Student
Guide
Guidehttps://www.stuvia.com/dashboard!@_)#*)(@$)($@*($@)($@*_
Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity – Student Guide 1 Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity – Student Guide.pdf
, Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student Guide
Page 2 2026-03-30
Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity
Student Guide
Assignment Summary
In this assignment, you will use simulations (found on slide 3 in the assignment section of the lesson)
to analyze how climate, resources, and habitat size affect carrying capacity. You will then look at another
simulation to analyze the effects of certain factors that affect biodiversity and populations. Finally, you will
write and revise a conclusion on how human activity affects biodiversity.
Background Information
Population growth is the change in size of a group of organisms of the same species over time. It is
affected by four factors: birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration.
Carrying capacity is the maximum total population that an area can support. Carrying capacity limits
population growth and is affected by competition for food, water, shelter, or mates, and threat of
predators, disease, and parasites. Carrying capacity may be affected by one or a combination of these
factors.
Biodiversity is the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere. Biodiversity is affected by the loss
of habitat, introduction of invasive species, pollution, and/or human activities.
Materials
Computer with Internet access
Notebook
Pens
Assignment Instructions
Part I. Prepare for the project.
Step 1. Write your name on the top-right corner of the Student Worksheet.
a) The Student Worksheet can be found at the end of this document after the assignment
instructions.
Step 2. Read the entire Student Guide before you begin this project.
a) If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance before you begin.
Step 3. Gather the materials you will need to complete this project.
Step 4. Complete Part I of the Student Worksheet (Quick Check).
Part II. Analyze factors that affect carrying capacity.
Step 1. Launch the Gizmo Rabbit Population by Season (found on slide 3 in the assignment
section of the lesson).
a) Be sure to follow the instructions in this guide and the Gizmo.
.
Analyzing Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student
Analyzing
Guide
2 Factors That Affect Carrying Capacity and Biodiversity Student Guide.pdf
