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Oh Deer Lab CER Assignment

In this assignment, you will use the data you collected from the Oh Deer Lab activity to write a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) response. The purpose is to explain how the availability of resources affects the size of a deer population. Use your own data and observations from the lab to support your answer. Be sure to include all three parts of the CER in your response.

Group 1

Use your data from the Oh Deer Lab and the background information provided to answer the following prompt using the CER format. Remember:

  • Claim: Answer the question, "How does the availability of resources affect the size of a population of deer?"
  • Evidence: Use specific data from your lab results (the table and graph) to support your claim.
  • Reasoning: Explain how your evidence supports your claim using scientific concepts from the background information.

Source 1.1

Background: All living things have the same basic needs. They all need water, food, shelter or protection, air (either oxygen or carbon dioxide), proper amounts of space, the proper temperature range, and light. When their basic needs are met, organisms will tend to reproduce. Reproduction is a life process that ensures the passing on of genetic information and the survival of a species. If their basic needs are not met in a particular environment, the organism will either leave or die. Traits that allow a species to survive in a specific environment are called adaptations. Generally, there are variations in traits. For instance, in a population of deer, there are variations in their fur color. Those with the "color" that allows for the best camouflage are most likely to survive. Consequently, they will be the ones able to reproduce and pass on that advantageous coloration to their offspring. There are variations in "swiftness". Those that are the fastest and are the strongest runners will be able to escape predators most often. They most likely will be the survivors and will pass on that ability to their offspring. If the environmental change is a long-term change, then only individuals with a trait that is best suited for this new environment will survive, unless individuals are able to leave and find a more suitable environment. If there is no chance of leaving, those without the 'adaptation' will die. This leaves only those with the 'adaptation' to reproduce. Eventually, the majority of the population will have that trait, as it is passed on from generation to generation.

Problem How does the availability of resources affect the size of a population of 'deer'?

Question 1a

Essay

Write a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) response to the following question: How does the availability of resources affect the size of a population of deer? Be sure to include:

  • A clear claim that answers the question.
  • Evidence from your Oh Deer Lab data (table and/or graph).
  • Reasoning that connects your evidence to your claim using scientific ideas from the background information.

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