Ecological case study data were used to determine high school pupils' and university students' ability to organize and use these data to predict outcomes of interaction between populations within a community. The poor quality of answers given by the respondents suggests that explicit teaching, prior to the use of the case study, may greatly…

This interdisciplinary unit is intended for use in second grade classes; however, it can be used K-8 with modifications. The unit seeks to demonstrate that aquatic organisms interact in complex ecosystems and that these organisms react to their environment in different ways. Specific directions are given for setting up an aquarium and populating…

An environmentalist examines the factors influencing ecological decline, the options still available for restoring an optimum population-ecology balance, and the difficulties, scientific and cultural, of dealing with the problem. Four immediate prescriptions for improving the lot of future generations are offered. (SL)

Suggests that invasion biology can supply subject matter for teaching evolution, genetics, ecological relationships, and conservation. Describes flowering and non-flowering plant invaders, vertebrates and invertebrates, and two ecological invasions on the southern coast of England. (JN)

Presents a set of simulation models for use in teaching population dynamics. These models are designed specifically for use with a programmable pocket calculator, and can be used to demonstrate growth of populations with discrete or overlapping generations and also to explore effects of density-dependent and -independent mortality. (Author/CS)

Described is an advanced biology class project involving study of the effects of organic pollution on an aquatic ecosystem from an sewage treatment plant overflow to evaluate the chemical quality and biological activity of the river water. (DS)

Discusses how the nature of the rock and, particularly, its fossils can be used in ecology courses for schools and colleges to help students to deduce the nature of the environment at the time the rock was deposited. A checklist and ways of identifying geological sites and fossils are included. (HM)

A portable and inexpensive blowfly trap, constructed from flower pots/buckets and mesh, suitable for introductory studies in blowfly succession is described. Investigations that examine species composition over time and the differences between baits are discussed. (KR)

Presents generalizations regarding how running water systems change physically, chemically and biologically with stream order, i. e., from the tiny headwater streams (order 1) to those receiving first order headwater tributaries (order 2) and so on. Food chain diagrams respective of stream order are explained. Stream study projects are suggested.…

The value and difficulties of long-term ecological monitoring studies undertaken in schools and colleges are reviewed. Rookeries, stream ecology, sand dune succession, fish population, and seed production and survival are presented as examples of successful studies. This is followed by a discussion of points to consider when setting up a long-term…

The population of Gyrinus, the whirligig beetle, is assessed using the Lincoln mark-recapture index. This technique has the advantage of helping the student to understand simple proportion as well as other concepts. (Author)

Surveys salient aspects of eastern box-turtle natural history. Explores the societal and ecological factors that have contributed to the decline of the box-turtle population. Contains 18 references. (WRM)

Recounts some of the progress that has been made in the field of population biology. Presents some of the important advances made in the field, along with some of their applications to societal problems. Calls for more cooperation between population scientists and social scientists, and more environmental education for the public. (TW)

Discusses some of the ecological variables involved with plant and animal survival during the winter months. Addresses the effects of changing climatic conditions on habitats, foot-loading indexes, and the overall concept of adaptation. Provides some simple teaching activities dealing with winter survival. (TW)

Discusses the nature and consequences of organisms' adaptation to new environments, including examples of adaptation and tolerance, aliens, adventives and invaders, vacant niches, arrival and fate of an adventure, hybridization with native organisms, and invasion without introduction by humans. (DS)