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Assessment Portfolio
Ashley Staley
July 1, 2016
EDTP 645

Table of Contents
Standards3

Fifteen Item Multiple Choice Test.4

Ten Item Multiple Choice Test..7
Ten Item True-False Test9
Three Essay Questions that use Critical Thinking10
Five Short Answer Questions...13
Fifteen Item Matching Question...16
Online Discussion Forum.17

Standards
HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in
ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions,
but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.

MS-LS2-1. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource
availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities
on the environment and biodiversity.*
MS-LS2-2. Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms
across multiple ecosystems.

Fifteen Item Multiple Choice Test

1.) Which of the following factors is an outcome of high population density?

a.) Increase in pollution
b.) Low birth rates
c.) Increased mortality
d.) Increase in resources
2.) Which of the following populations are most likely to survive?
a.) A very small population in an isolated area.
b.) A medium sized variation located far from water.
c.) A large population with genetic variation.
d.) All populations would go extinct.
3.) If lions are introduced into an area, the number of prey eaten will increase. Determine what
will need to occur in order for the population to stabilize.
a.) The reproductive rate of the prey must decrease
b.) The reproductive rate of the prey must increase
c.) The reproductive rate of the predators must increase
d.) The reproductive rate of the predators must decrease
4.) A new species of monkey is introduced into the Rainforest to live and reproduce. After about
10 years, scientists notice that there are only about 100 monkeys in the Rainforest. What is one
possible explanation for this?
a.) Hunters only hunted monkeys until there were 100 remaining
b.) The carrying capacity of the monkeys in the Rainforest was only 100
c.) The rainforest was not an acceptable living environment for the monkeys
d.) The scientists lost track of the monkeys as there are too many to count.
5.) It was found that the number of plankton eating animals, like the manta ray, are on the rise.
What is one cause for this increase in the manta ray population?
a.) Increased disease
b.) Increased fisherman
c.) Increased plankton population
d.) Decreased plankton population
6.) The white-tailed deer population has become too big. What two actions could be taken to
prevent the destruction of agriculture and landscaping?
a.) Introduce a disease that wipes out the entire white-tailed deer population
b.) Increase hunting
c.) Introduce a new predator to the white-tailed deer
d.) Nothing
7.) The Earths population is growing at a rate of 1.13% each year. What is an effect of a
population growing too quickly?
a.) The population will be better at overcoming diseases
b.) The population will make the environment a better place for the endangered animals

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c.) The population will become too large for the Earth to support
d.) The population will reduce the number of children in each family
8.) If a population of rabbits becomes diseased, their predators, the fox, will have a better shot of
catching a rabbit to eat. What will occur as a result?
a.) The fox population will decrease because the disease was transmitted to them by the rabbits
they ate
b.) The fox population will increase because of the increase in prey
c.) The fox population will remain the same
d.) The rabbit population will increase
9.) If a population of insects are constantly given everything they need to increase their
population and survive, what type of growth will occur?
a.) Limited Growth
b.) Exponential growth
c.) No growth
d.) Logistical Growth
10.) If the infant mortality in Sierra Leone was to decrease, but the birth rate remained the same,
what would be the result?
a.) The population would decrease
b.) The population would consist of a larger, older generation
c.) The population would consist of a larger, younger generation
d.) The population would remain the same
11.) The introduction of antibiotics, better healthcare and vaccines were likely to
a.) do nothing to the human population
b.) decrease the human population
c.) increase the human population
d.) increase the human population then decrease the human population
12.) Arrange the following levels in an ecosystem in the correct order. Starting with largest and
working your way to the smallest.
a.) Individual> Population> Community> Ecosystem> Biome> Biosphere
b.) Ecosystem> Biosphere> Biome> Community> Individual> Population
c.) Biosphere> Biome>Ecosystem> Community> Population>Individual
d.) Population> Individual> Ecosystem> Biome> Biosphere> Community
13.) The population growth of a population of turtles is slowly declining. What type of growth is
exhibited within the turtle population?
a.) No growth
b.) Exponential Growth
c.)Logistical Growth
d.) Declined Growth
14.) This type of growth is not practical in real world populations

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a.) Quality Growth
b.) Logistical Growth
c.) Delayed Growth
d.) Exponential Growth
15.) To decrease the effects of the rapidly growing human population on the environment,
humans should
a.) stop reproducing
b.) strive for sustainable development
c.) Move to a new planet
d.) Reproduce faster

Ten Item Multiple Choice Test

1.) Which of the following effects population growth?
a.) Emigration
b.) Immigration
c.) Births
d.) All of the above
2.) What is the optimum population?
a.) More people than resources
b.) Less people than resources

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c.) Equal people and resources
d.) No people and no resources
3.)Which of the following explains exponential growth?
a.) The rate of increase fluctuates.
b.) The number of individuals in a population increases rapidly
c.) The rate increases, then levels off.
d.) The rate decreases continuously
4.)A population is
a.) A group of organisms of one species that interbreed and live in the same place at the
same time
b.) The number of people other organisms, or crops that a region can support without
environmental degradation.
c.) Interactions between organisms and their environment.
d.) A social unit consisting of parents and their children..)
5.) Choose a factor that is likely to limit population growth.
a.) Food availability
b.) Disease
c.) Predators
d.) All of the above
6.) Which of the following density-dependent factors do not limit animal populations?
a.) Predation
b.) Severe weather
c.) Competition
d.) Disease
7.) If a population of a predator increases, the prey population will:
a.) Increase
b.) Decrease
c.) Remain the same
d.) Run away
8.) The carrying capacity on the graph is represented
by the letter:
a.) A
b.) B
c.) C
d.) D
e.) E
9.) Which essential resource is most likely going to limit the human population?
a.) Water
b.) Space

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c.) Food
d.) Air
10.) A logistic growth curve exhibits
a.) a decline in population growth
b.) a population that grows faster and faster as the population grows.
c.) No population growth
d.) a population growth that slows down as a population reaches its carrying capacity

Ten Item True-False Test

Mark each question as True or False. If the answer is False, please make the statement true.
1.) ______ Disease is unlikely to limit population growth.
2.) ______An increased birth rate will cause a population to decrease
3.) ______ As a population increases, the amount of resources available will decrease.
4.) ______ A density-dependent factor is any environmental factor that depends on population
data.
5.) ______ Limiting factors cause a population to increase.
6.) ______ The size of a population if determined by the relationship between immigration and
birth rate.

7.) ______ An animal population in an ecosystem is not dependent on the plant population in the
same ecosystem.
8.) ______ Competition can only occur between individuals in the same population
9.) ______ A population of deer is defined as all the deer in the entire world.
10.) _____ A population can not exceed its carrying capacity.

Three Essay Questions that use Critical Thinking

1.) This unit has focused on the impacts of humans on the environment. We have seen that
humans have a detrimental effect on the environment and to biodiversity. Give 3 examples of
how humans alter the environment and biodiversity. Be sure to explain how the examples affect
the environment and biodiversity as well. Give 1 solution to each human impact. Your response
should be at least 3 paragraphs.
2.) We have studied many different examples of predator-prey relationships in class. How does
the environment influence a population and how does the introduction of a predator affect a prey
population? Use at least 3 examples in your response. Your response should be at least 3
paragraphs.
3.) What effect does population growth and decline have on the economy? Give 3 examples of
how population growth effects the economy. Next, give 3 examples of how population decline
effects the economy. These effects can be positive or negative. Your response should be at least 3
paragraphs.

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Rubric for Question 1

3

Human Impact

The student was

able to identify 3
different human
impacts and
describe their
effects on
biodiversity and
the environment.

The student was

able to identify at
least 2 different
human impacts but
needed more
description of their
effects on
biodiversity and
the environment.

The student was

able to identify 1
human impact with
very limited
description of its
effects on
biodiversity and
the environment.

No human impacts
given or no
explanation given.

Support of Human
Impact

The student was

able to use
evidence to show
that all three
human impacts
effect biodiversity
and the
environment.

The student was

able to use some
evidence to show
that two human
impacts effect
biodiversity and
the environment.

The student used

very limited
evidence to show
that one human
impact effected
biodiversity and
the environment.

The student did not

use any evidence
or did not state 3
human impacts.

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Solutions

The student was

able to provide a
solution for each
human impact and
explain in detail the
steps that are
needed to
complete solutions.

The student was

able to provide a
solution for at least
two of the human
impacts and
explain using
limited detail the
steps that are
needed to
complete solutions.

The student was

able to provide a
solution for at least
one of the human
impacts and
explain using very
limited detail the
steps that are
needed to
complete solutions.

The student
provided no
solutions or
explanations.

Rubric for Question 2

3

Environment and
Populations

The student
provided an
excellent
explanation of the
effect that the
environment has
on populations.

The student
provided an
explanation that
needed some
clarification of the
effect that the
environment has
on populations.

The student
provided an
explanation that
needed a lot of
clarification of the
effect of the effect
that the
environment has
on populations.

The student
provided no
explanation of the
effect that the
environment has
on populations.

Effect of
Introducing a
Predator on Prey

The student
correctly described
the effect of
introducing a
predator into an
environment.

The student
described the
effect of
introducing a
predator into an
environment with
some mistakes.

The student
described the
effect of
introducing a
predator into an
environment with
many mistakes.

The student did not

describe the effect
of introducing a
predator into an
environment.

Examples of
Predators and
Prey

The student
correctly identified
3 examples of
predators and their
prey.

The student
identified 3
examples of
predators and prey
but only 2 were
correct.

The student
identified 3
examples of
predators and prey
but only 1 was
correct.

The student did not

identify any
examples of
predators and their
prey.

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Rubric for Question 3
3

Population Growth
on Economy

The student
correctly explained
the effect of
population growth
and decline on the
economy.

The student
explained the
effect of population
growth and decline
on the economy
with some
mistakes.

The student
explained the
effect of population
growth and decline
on the economy
with many
mistakes.

The student did not

explain the effect
of population
growth and decline
on the economy.

Examples of Effect
on Economy of
Population Growth

The student
correctly explained
3 examples of the
effect of economy
on population
growth.

The student
explained at least
2 examples of the
effect of economy
on population
growth with some
mistakes.

The student
explained at least
1 example of the
effect of economy
on population
growth with many
mistakes.

The student did not

provide any
examples of the
effects of the
economy on
population growth.

Examples of Effect
on Economy of
Population Decline

The student
correctly explained
3 examples of the
effect of economy
on population
decline.

The student
explained at least
2 examples of the
effect of economy
on population
decline with some
mistakes.

The student
explained at least
1 example of the
effect of economy
on population
decline with many
mistakes.

The student did not

provide any
examples of the
effects of the
economy on
population decline.

Five Short Answer Questions

1.) Why do humans have a wide population range and polar bears have a limited population
range? Your response should be about 1 to 2 paragraphs.

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2.) Give two reasons as to why a population can increase and two reasons as to why a population
can decrease. Explain your answers. Your response should be about 1 to 2 paragraphs.

3.) Is it possible for humans to experience overcrowding like other animals experience? Explain
your answer. Your response should be about 1 to 2 paragraphs.

4.) Can a population exceed the carrying capacity? Why or why not? Your response should be
about 1 to 2 paragraphs.

5.) Compare and contrast density-dependent and density-independent factors. Give examples of
at least 3 types of each factor. Your response should be about 1 to 2 paragraphs.

Rubric for Question 1

2

Human Population
Response

Response correctly
explains why humans
have a wide population
range.

Response explains why

humans have a wide
population range with
some mistakes.

No Response

Polar Bear Population

Response

Response correctly
explains why polar

Response explains why

polar bears have a

No Response

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Quality of Response

bears have a limited

population range.

limited population range

with some mistakes.

Response is complete
and well-structured.

Response is somewhat
complete and not very
well structured.

No Response

Rubric for Question 2

2

Population Increase

Response includes 2
reasonable explanations
as to why a population
can increase.

Response includes
either 1 explanation or 2
explanations that are
not well thought out.

No Response

Population Decrease

Response includes 2
reasonable explanations
as to why a population
can decrease.

Response includes
either 1 explanation or 2
explanations that are
not well thought out.

No Response

Quality of response

Response is complete
and well-structured.

Response is somewhat
complete and not very
well structured.

No Response

Rubric for Question 3

2

Answer Question

The student answer the

question with logic and
thought.

The student answers

the question without
logic or thought.

No Response

Evidence

The student provides

valid evidence of the
students opinion.

The student provides

very little evidence of
the students opinion.

No Response

Quality of Response

Response is complete
and well-structured.

Response is somewhat
complete and not very
well structured.

No Response

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Rubric for Question 4

2

Answer Question

The student answers

the question with logic
and thought.

The student answers

the question without
logic or thought.

No Response

Evidence

The student provides

evidence of the
students claim.

The student provides

very little evidence of
the students claim.

No Response

Quality of Response

Response is complete
and well-structured.

Response is somewhat
complete and not very
well structured.

No Response

Rubric for Question 5

2

Density-Dependent

The student gives 3

examples of densitydependent factors and
the examples are
explained thoroughly.

The student does not

give all 3 examples of
density-dependent
factors and the
examples are not
explained thoroughly.

No Response

Density-Independent

The student gives 3

examples of densityindependent factors and
the examples are
explained thoroughly.

The student does not

give all 3 examples of
density-independent
facts and the examples
are not explained
thoroughly.

No Response

Quality of Response

Response is complete
and well-structured.

Response is somewhat
complete and not very
well structured.

No Response

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Fifteen Item Matching Question

Match the following examples on the left to the relationship type on the right. The answers on
the right can be used more than once.

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___11.) Fleas on a dog
___12.) A fox and a rabbit
___13.) Two insects of the same species
fighting for a mate
___14.) Great White Shark and a seal
___15.) Bacteria and a human
a.) Parasitism
b.) Mutualism
c.) Predation
d.) Competition
e.) Commensalism

___1.) An Oxpecker and Zebra

___2.) A whale with barnacles
___3.) A bear catching and eating a fish
___4.) Cheetahs and Lions fighting for the
same Zebra
___5.) A tapeworm in a humans intestines
___6.) A bee and a flower
___7.) Hermit crabs finding shelter in snail
shells
___8.) A spider crab and algae
___9.) Clownfish living in anemones
___10.) The Atlantic Puffin using the nest of
a rabbit

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Online Discussion Forum

A fisherman accidentally introduced a new species of fish into the Nantahala Lake in North
Carolina. The fisherman thought that both fish were exactly the same, but in fact were 2 different
species. Species A is originally from the Nantahala Lake but Species B is from Lake Gaston in
South Carolina. It turns out that both of these species eat the same type of fish. What do you
expect to occur with both of these species of fish? Use terminology and logic to answer this
question. Be sure to add onto the ideas of your classmates. Make sure to use at least one credible
source!

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Explanation of
projected
population

The student
explains clearly
what would
happen to both
species of fish.

The student
explains what
would happen to
both species of fish
but needs more
depth.

The student gives No response.

a very limited
explanation of
what would
happen to both
species of fish or
only one species is
discussed.

Terminology and
Logic

The student uses

an expansive
variety of
terminology and
logic was used in
the response.

The student uses

some terminology
and logic in the
response.

The student uses

very little
terminology or
logic in the
response.

No response.

Elaboration of
Classmates

The student uses

several ideas from
other classmates
to expand upon his
own ideas.

The student uses

some ideas from
other classmates
to expand upon his
own ideas.

The student uses

very few ideas
from other
classmates to
expand upon his
own ideas or does
not expand upon
his ideas.

No response.

Credible Source

The student uses

at least one
credible source
that adds to the
quality of the
discussion.

The student uses

one credible
source that adds
very little quality to
the discussion.

The student uses a No response.

source that is
either not credible
or a credible
source that adds
no quality to the
discussion.