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In 2 investigations, students use different methods to observe and sample the invertebrate community of various habitats, then draw conclusions about habitat diversity. First, students collect soil samples and use a Berlese funnel to isolate the invertebrates and count individuals and categories. Second, students bait sample cards, observe and categorize the ants, and compare data from different habitats and niches (i.e., different baits). Kit provides materials for 8 student groups.

Product Details
In each of the investigations in this kit, students use a different method to observe and sample the invertebrate community of various habitats. Students analyze their data to draw conclusions regarding the biodiversity of those habitats. In the first investigation, students collect soil samples and use a Berlese funnel to isolate the invertebrates for counting individuals and categories. In the second investigation, students bait sample cards, observe and categorize the ants that come, and compare data from different habitats and different niches (i.e., different baits). Kit provides materials for 8 groups of students.

Unit Connection
This laboratory investigation correlates to Unit 2: Biodiversity, topic 2.1: Introduction to Biodiversity in the AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.

Standards Connection
Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems (ERT) The Earth is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space. Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.

• ERT-2 Ecosystems have structure and diversity that change over time.
• ERT-2.A Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
• ERT-2.A.1 Biodiversity in an ecosystem includes genetic, species, and habitat diversity.
• ERT-2.A.3 Ecosystems that have a larger number of species are more likely to recover from disruptions.
• ERT-2.A.5 Species richness refers to the number of different species found in an ecosystem.

Time Requirements
Teacher Preparation (before class):

• Prelab: 60 minutes
• Investigation 1: 90 minutes
• Investigation 2: 60 minutes

• Prelab: 60 minutes
• Investigation 1—Comparing Habitat Diversity: Part 1, 50 minutes; Part 2, 50 minutes (4–10 days later)
• Investigation 2—Comparing Niche Diversity: Part 1, 45 minutes; Part 2, 90 minutes (1–3 hours later)
• Free-Response Questions: 60 minutes

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include teacher manual and student guide, prelab activities and setup videos, simulations, and postlab analysis and assessments.

Prior Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the following skills or concepts:

• Ecological niches
• Habitats
• Biological diversity and its advantages
• At a basic level, the indices used to measure biodiversity
• Use of natural log in calculations

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