Run the utility located at:
https://www.biologysimulations.com/population-dynamics
This utility allows you to adjust eight possible inputs and run simulations to measure the effects of changing these inputs. By clicking on the “Introduction” button, you can review the definitions of these inputs.
Please adjust the inputs as many times and run as many simulations as necessary to answer the questions below as completely as possible. Each question can be answered in 1 to 2 paragraphs.
1. Explain the effect of plant capacity on the populations of both predators and prey. Explain why this effect exists. Set plant capacity to the lowest level. What happens to the levels of predators and prey? Explain why.
2. Describe the series of settings necessary for the end of the simulation to show the “prey” level (the blue line) and the “predators” level (the brown line) at the top of the chart. Explain why the settings result in the thriving of both types of animals.
3. Explain what “relative herbivory” and “relative predation” mean and their effects on the simulations.
4. If you examine the graph after most simulations, you will see the populations of both the predator and prey move up and down. What is the relationship between the timing of the increases and decreases of prey and the timing of increases and decreases of the predators? Explain why.
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