APES: Predator Prey Simulation
NAME ______________________________
Directions: Go to Ms. Schwichtenberg’s link and click on “Predator Prey Simulation Link”
(http://nortonbooks.com/college/biology/animations/ch34a03.htm). Read the information below and work through the lab.
In a stable ecosystem, the number of predators and the number of prey fluctuate, but remain relatively constant. Three factors
can affect the cycling of predator and prey numbers: the reproductive rate of the prey, the number of prey eaten by each
predator, and the reproductive rate of the predator.
In this simulation, you will manipulate those three variables to determine how they affect the overall predator and prey
populations.
Step 1: Develop Hypothesis (If ….. then …..)
Step 2: Collect Data
Use the simulator to view how populations are affected by changing the variables. In many cases, changing the variables will
result in a crash of both species. Finding the appropriate balance will require trial and error. Keep notes of your data and
outcomes, you will need this later for your lab report.
Step 3: Conclusion : Use C-E-R Approach
Write a conclusion paragraph explaining how predator and prey populations change and influence on another.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Use CER Approach
Use C-E-R Approach
Claim: Was the hypothesis supported or refuted? Was the purpose demonstrated?
Make a claim sharing what the data supports. The claim should be one complete
sentence about what you learned. For example: The hypothesis was (supported or
refuted) as evident by …..
C = Claim
E = Evidence
R = Reasoning
Evidence: What data driven evidence supports the claim? Include actual data
(number and unit). This portion should be a few sentences.
Reasoning: A justification that links the claim and the evidence. Also, a few
sentences linking the relevance of the data to a bigger scientific concept. The
reasoning should be several sentences. This portion explains how the activity or lab
relates to the concepts learned in class.
Draw a conclusion using your data results. Remember that a conclusion either accepts or rejects a hypothesis. Explain to the
reader that happened to the populations as the variables were adjusted. Include how the simulation applies to real-life
populations and predator prey cycles.
Step 4: Lab Report
Use the brief format on the back to generate a condensed lab report. It should include the hypothesis, sufficient data and a
written conclusion of the findings. This lab report does not need to be very long- a single page should be sufficient.
APES: Predator Prey Simulation
NAME: __________________________
Hypothesis:
Results (Data): Draw a graph of the balanced ecosystem (or take a snapshot on the computer, print, and paste below).
Conclusion: Follow CER instructions.