Topic outline

  • General

    Populations banner
    Welcome to the world of learning about populations! When most people think of population, they often think only of humans. This online unit will explore all populations, what factors contribute to changes in populations, human population, and the interdependence of nature. Get ready for the excitement in
    store for you!!
    animal animation
    • Download a copy of this course. File 3.2MB Moodle backup
    • Science and ITSE Standards Alignment URL
    • Introduction to Populations Assignment (2.2)
    • Population Question Forum

  • Topic 1

    Describing populations
    • ducks

      Populations are studied by ecologists. When studying populations they observe characteristics that include geographic range, density and distribution, growth rate, and age structure.

    • Population Ecology Webquest Assignment (2.2)
    • Biology Online Text and Worksheet Assignment (2.2)
    • Population Biology Virtual Lab Assignment (2.2)

  • Topic 2

    Population Growth
    • fish

      Population size changes based on how many individual organisms are added or removed.

    • Population Growth Video and Quiz
    • Copyright © 2003 Regents of the University of California
    • Factors in Population Growth Assignment (2.2)
    • Lessons of the Kaibab Assignment (2.2)

  • Topic 3

    Exponential growth vs. Logistic growth
    • world

      How is exponential growth different from logistic growth and does it really matter?

    • Exponential Growth Simulation Assignment (2.2)
    • Logistic Growth Simulation and Quiz
    • "How Populations Grow" Quiz

  • Topic 4

    Limiting factors: Density Dependent vs. Density Independent
    • forest

      Limiting factors are any factors, either physical or biological, that can limit the growth of a population.

    • Watch the Density dependent vs. density independent video URL
    • Limiting Factors Reading Assignment and Questions Assignment (2.2)
    • Identifying Density Dependent and Density Independent Factors Assignment (2.2)
    • Predator-Prey Models Reading and Questions Assignment (2.2)
    • Watch Changing Animal Population Page
    • Watch"Mosquito plague wipes out kangaroos - BBC wildlife" Page
    • How to Create an Animoto Video!!! Assignment (2.2)
    • Create an Animoto Assignment (2.2)
    • Animoto Project Discusion and Help Forum
    • "Limiting Factors" Quiz

  • Topic 5

    Human Population Growth: Historical Overview

    • graph

      Human population grew slowly for long time. What changes brought about the massive explosion of growth?

    • World Population Video Assignment (2.2)
    • A Graphic Simulation of the History of Human Population Growth © 2000
    • World Population History Video and Quiz
    • Least and most populated cities and countries in the world. Assignment (2.2)
    • Minnesota Population Assignment (2.2)
    • World Problems and Solutions Forum

  • Topic 6

    Patterns of Human Population Growth

    • pop


      Demography is the scientific study of human populations. Learn more about how that is done!

    • Demographic Transition Video, Powerpoint, and Table Assignment (2.2)
    • Are You a Demographer? Assignment (2.2)
    • "World In Balance" Assignment (2.2)

  • Topic 7

    Unit Completion

    • haha

      Time for you to show what you know!!!!!!

    • Final Assessment- Prezi Presentation Assignment (2.2)
    • Prezi Help Forum

  • Topic 8

    Teacher Notes

    • Notes to the Teacher:
      • This is a high school biology unit that was developed for at-risk alternative students. These students need more guided reading and specific assignments. All grading is satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Feel free to adjust the level of assessments.
      • I purposely did not provide answer keys to the non-quiz assignments. I think teachers should go through an assignment first, before they give it to the students. If you work off answer keys, feel free to e-mail me at and I will provide one to you.