How Many Penguins Does It Take?
Studying carrying capacity and limiting factors

data | hook | main | background & resources | student

Hook
Penguins are flightless birds that live in subantarctic waters. The exception is the Galapagos penguin which lives at the equator. The Adelie and Emperor penguins are the only penguins that live on the Antarctica coastline. Penguins are subject to population dynamics, just like any other species. The environment can only hold so many penguins, and this is called carrying capacity. This activity allows students to role-play penguins searching for food. Only several "live" through the experience, showing how food can be a limiting factor for population growth.

Return to top of page

Back to: TEA Activities Page

data | hook | main | background & resources | student