Carolina Investigations® for AP® Environmental Science: Primary Consumer Energy Flow Kit (with perishables)

Aligned with Big Idea 4 and Essential Knowledge 4.A.6. Emphasizes Science Practices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 As an alternative to measuring energy flow through primary productivity, students measure the transfer of energy at a higher trophic level and modify environmental conditions to explore their effects on energy consumption. In this lab, Vanessa cardui (painted lady butterfly) larvae, representing a primary consumer, feed on a growth medium that represents a primary producer. Students investigate how efficiently developing butterflies convert food into body mass. They then analyze results,...