Assignment Summary In this assignment, you will use simulations to analyze how climate, resources, and habitat size affect carrying capacity. You will then look at another simulation to analyze the effects of certain factors that affect biodiversity and populations. Finally, you will write and revise a conclusion on how human activity affects biodiversity. Background Information Population growth is the change in size of a group of organisms of the same species over time. It is affected by four factors: birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration. Carrying capacity is the maximum total population that an area can support. Carrying capacity limits population growth and is affected by competition for food, water, shelter, or mates, and threat of predators, disease, and parasites. Carrying capacity may be affected by one or a combination of these factors. Biodiversity is the total variety of organisms that live in the biosphere. Biodiversity is affected by the loss of habitat, introduction of invasive species, pollution, and/or human activities. Materials Computer with nternet access Notebook Pens Assignment Instructions Part I. Prepare for the project. Step 1. Write your name on the top-right corner of the Student Worksheet. The Student Worksheet can be found at the end of this document after the assignment instructions. Step 2. Read the entire Student Guide before you begin this project. If anything is not clear to you, ask your teacher for assistance before you begin. Step 3. Gather the materials you will need to complete this project. Step 4. Complete Part I of the Student Worksheet (Quick Check). Part II. Analyze factors that affect carrying capacity. Step 1. Launch the Gizmo Rabbit Population by Season. Be sure to follow the instructions in this guide and the Gizmo. Locate the important buttons and tabs you will be using in this simulation so you can familiarize yourself with the Gizmo. Step 2: Set up and run the first simulation. Under Land, choose Little.