Exploring Biological Carrying Capacity in Wildlife Management

The video explains the principle of biological carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of a species an ecosystem can support without degradation. It discusses factors affecting this capacity, such as food abundance, sustainability, and competition. A case study of sturgeon in Lake Wago illustrates these concepts. Biologists manage ecosystems by regulating species populations to maintain balance.

What is the principle of biological carrying capacity?

• The minimum number of species required for an ecosystem to thrive.

• The maximum number of species an ecosystem can support without problems.

• The average number of species in a given ecosystem.

• The number of species that can migrate to an ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What term do biologists use to describe the right balance of species in an ecosystem?

• Environmental stability

• Species sustainability

• Biological carrying capacity

• Ecological equilibrium

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of the following is NOT a variable that affects biological carrying capacity?

• Climate change

• Abundance of food sources

• Sustainability of food sources

• Competition for food from other species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why is the sturgeon population in Lake Winnebago considered high?

• Because of human intervention.

• Due to the lake's small size.

• Because of the lake's high biological carrying capacity.

• Due to the lack of predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is a primary food source for sturgeon in Lake Winnebago?

• Plankton

• Algae

• Lake fly larvae

• Small fish

What happens to lake flies after they hatch and fly off as adults?

• They become a primary food source for sturgeon.

• They migrate to other lakes.

• They are no longer available as a food source.

• They lay eggs in the water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How do gizzard shad contribute to the sturgeon's food supply?

• By cleaning the lake's water.

• By eating lake fly larvae.

• By competing with sturgeon for food.

• By dying and sinking to the bottom, providing a rich food source.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What could happen if too many sturgeon populated Lake Winnebago?

• The lake's biological carrying capacity would increase.

• The lake fly larvae might have trouble reproducing.

• The water quality would improve.

• The sturgeon would migrate to other lakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How do biologists manage the number of species in an ecosystem?

• By changing the ecosystem's climate.

• By introducing new species.

• By removing all predators.

• By regulating the number of species harvested.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is one way humans can manage variables affecting biological carrying capacity?

• By reducing the number of food sources.

• By increasing the number of predators.

• By changing the ecosystem's water levels.

• By observing species over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4