Introduction to St Matthew Island Reindeer Worksheet
In the realm of ecology and population dynamics, the St Matthew Island reindeer worksheet is a classic example that has been extensively studied and debated. The worksheet revolves around the intriguing story of the introduction of reindeer to St Matthew Island, Alaska, and the subsequent events that unfolded. This worksheet serves as a teaching tool to illustrate key concepts in ecology, conservation, and population management.
Background Information
In 1944, the United States Coast Guard introduced 29 reindeer to St Matthew Island, a small, uninhabited island in the Bering Sea. The primary objective of this introduction was to provide a readily available source of food for the Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island. However, as the years went by, the Coast Guard abandoned the island, leaving the reindeer population to grow unchecked.
Population Dynamics and Worksheet Questions
As the reindeer population grew exponentially, it led to an overgrazing of the island’s vegetation. This resulted in a sudden and dramatic decline in the reindeer population. The worksheet delves into the population dynamics of the St Matthew Island reindeer, asking students to analyze and calculate various parameters such as population growth rate, carrying capacity, and the impact of overgrazing.
| Year | Population Size |
|---|---|
| 1944 | 29 |
| 1951 | 1,360 |
| 1963 | 6,000 |
| 1966 | 42 |
Worksheet Answers
What was the initial population size of the reindeer introduced to St Matthew Island in 1944? Answer: 29
By what factor did the reindeer population grow from 1944 to 1951? Answer: 46.9 ( calculated by dividing the population size in 1951 by the initial population size in 1944)
What was the estimated carrying capacity of St Matthew Island for the reindeer population? Answer: Approximately 5,000 (as estimated from the data)
What led to the sudden decline of the reindeer population from 1963 to 1966? Answer: Overgrazing and the depletion of the island’s vegetation.
What can be inferred from the drastic decline in the reindeer population? Answer: The importance of sustainable resource management and the dangers of overexploitation.
🔥 Note: The dramatic decline in the reindeer population highlights the need for effective conservation and management strategies to prevent such catastrophes.
Lessons Learned and Ecological Insights
The St Matthew Island reindeer worksheet provides valuable insights into the dynamics of population growth and the importance of sustainable resource management. The story of the St Matthew Island reindeer serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts and the dangers of unchecked population growth.
In conclusion, the St Matthew Island reindeer worksheet offers a compelling case study that illustrates key ecological principles. By analyzing the population dynamics of the reindeer, students can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation and sustainable resource management.
What was the primary reason for introducing reindeer to St Matthew Island?
+The primary reason for introducing reindeer to St Matthew Island was to provide a readily available source of food for the Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island.
What led to the sudden decline of the reindeer population?
+Overgrazing and the depletion of the island’s vegetation led to the sudden decline of the reindeer population.
What can be inferred from the St Matthew Island reindeer story?
+The importance of sustainable resource management and the dangers of overexploitation can be inferred from the St Matthew Island reindeer story.
