Population Ecology: The Texas Mosquito Mystery

• This video uses the example of the West Nile virus outbreak in Dallas, TX to explain population ecology.
  
• Topics discussed in this video include ecology, population growth rates, density-dependent and density-independent factors, limits on populations, carrying capacity, and a demonstration of how to calculate population growth rates.

Positives

• This video includes graphs and visual aids that help boost comprehension. 
• This resource contains a table of contents for easily finding information within the video and also includes links to references. 

Additional Prerequisites

• It may be helpful to periodically pause the video to ensure comprehension, since a lot of vocabulary and information is presented at a fast pace. 

Differentiation

• Math classes could use the formula presented in the video to practice calculating population growth examples in other species and for discussing the difference between logistic and exponential growth models. 
• Classes could visit the articles referenced within the site to learn more about the West Nile virus outbreak and could then use their new learning from this video to discuss other virus outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
  
• This Crash Course video on human population growth is referenced at the end of the video and could serve as a follow-up lesson that connects to species extinctions and ecosystem declines happening today. 
• Consider having students also watch the Crash Course videos on ecosystem ecology and community ecology in order to compare and contrast them with this one. 
• Other resources on this topic include this video about two tick-borne diseases and this TED-Ed video about the threat of invasive species. 

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.