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Trophic Pyramids

In this analysis and discussion activity, students discover the reasons why (in many ecosystems) plants are more common than primary consumers, which in turn are more common than secondary consumers.

To begin, they learn about the factors that influence the net rate of biomass production. They figure out why the net rate of biomass production is lower for each higher trophic level in an ecosystem.

Then, students construct and analyze trophic pyramids. Finally, they apply what they have learned to understanding why more resources are needed to produce meat than to produce an equivalent amount of plant food.

The Student Handout is available in the first two attached files and as a Google Doc designed for use in distance learning and online instruction. The Teacher Notes, available in the last two attached files, provide instructional suggestions and background information and explain how this activity is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.

AttachmentSize
trophic pyramids SH.docx2.34 MB
trophic pyramids SH.pdf216.13 KB
trophic pyramids TN.docx260.83 KB
trophic pyramids TN.pdf166.56 KB
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iwaldron's picture

2024 revision

Submitted by iwaldron on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 7:49am.

The Student Handout now includes an introduction that clarifies the difference between gross and net rates of biomass production and motivates the use of net rates of biomass production in the construction of trophic pyramids.

Ingrid

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. To preserve the value of these learning activities for other teachers, please do not post keys for any questions from any of these activities!

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Authors

Dr. Ingrid Waldron is Professor Emerita in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. Co-authors include Dr. Jennifer Doherty, who is an Assistant Professor in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University, and Dr. Lori Spindler, who is a Lecturer in the Biology Department at the University of Pennsylvania. They have developed these activities in collaboration with colleagues at Penn and middle school and high school teachers in the Philadelphia area. We are grateful to Craig Douglas for his generous help with graphics.

 

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