Predator-Prey Simulation


Objective: Students will simulate predator prey interactions, the numbers of predator and prey in their “ecosystem” will be recorded and graphed.

Materials (Prepared in advance)

Each group will receive 200 small squares cut from index cards (approximately 1 inch squared) -- The small squares represent the prey population

Each group will receive 50 large squares cut from index cards (cut index cards in half) -- The large squares represent the predator population

Each group will receive a data table (prepared) and blank graph paper


Instructions:

Your lab table represents your ecosystem (please clear all objects)

1. Place 3 “prey” on your table.
2. Toss 1 predator onto the table (evenly dispersed) and attempt to make the card touch as many “prey” as possible. In order to survive, the predator must capture at least 3 prey. It will be impossible for your predator to survive at this point.
3. Remove any “prey” captured and record your data for the 1st generation.
4. The “prey” population doubles each generation. Count how many hares you have left on your table, double that number and add prey cards to the table. Record the number in the data table under the 2nd generation “number of hares”. (It should be 2x the number you have under the “hares remaining” for generation 1)
5. Your predator died during the first round, but that’s okay, a new predator moves in for the second round. If your predator died, put 1 in the “number of predators” for generation 2 to represent the new arrival. Repeat the tossing procedure and record your data for the second generation.
6. Again, number or prey doubles, if your predator didn’t “capture” 3 prey, it died. But a new one moves in for the next round. Keep going, adding to the number of prey each round.
7. Eventually your predator will be able to capture enough prey to survive. Guess what happens? The number of predators double. Add to your predator population by adding predator cards. Now when you toss your predators, you will be tossing more than one. Don’t forget to remove any “captured” prey.
8. Continue to record the data through 20 generations.


Construct a graph. On the X-axis, put generations 1 through 20, on the Y-axis you will have the population numbers for each generation (number of predators, number of prey). Use one line for the predator and one line for the prey to graph the data.

Data Table