Rabbits and Wolves
This applet allows the user to simulate how nature keeps its balance. This applet shows how wolves and rabbits
would behave in their natural setting. The general rules of this applet are:
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Two rabbits cannot occupy the same section of grass.
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A wolf will not eat a rabbit if the rabbit will make him surpass his maximum food capacity. (The maximum
food capacity can be modified).
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Rabbits and wolves can only reproduce when they reach a certain age and have a sufficient amount of food.
(The age of reproduction and amount of food required to reproduce can be modified).
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A rabbit cannot reproduce if there is a wolf around her.
Two wolves cannot occupy the same section of grass.
Each rabbit can only eat grass when he has not reached his maximum food capacity. (The maximum food
capacity can be modified).
Rabbits and wolves can only move up, down, left, or right one space at a time.
Rabbits and wolves die if they get too old or if there is insufficient food. (Maximum age can be modified).
The grass growth rate is 1. (This growth rate can be modified).
The rules for the births and deaths of rabbits and wolves are a bit more detailed. Let's begin with rabbits which have
the following (adjustable) default parameters:
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Maximum food capacity: 45 units
Metabolism rate: 3 units/stage
Reproduction age: 10 stages
Probability of reproduction in a suitable environment: 50%
Minimum food requirement to reproduce: 40 units
Maximum age: 25 stages
A rabbit gives a food value of 10 to the wolf that eats it.
Using this information, along with the general rules, the computer will determine whether each rabbit will live, die, or
reproduce during each stage.
Wolves have the following (adjustable) default parameters:
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Maximum food capacity: 200 units
Metabolism rate: 2 units/stage
Reproduction age: 10 stages
Probability of reproduction in a suitable environment: 50%
Minimum food requirement to reproduce: 120 units
Maximum age: 50 stages
Using this information, along with the general rules, the computer will determine whether each wolf will live, die, or
reproduce at each stage.
Experiment with the settings in the Rabbits and Wolves Activity to build evidence for the answers to the
questions below:
1.
What would happen if there were lots more bunnies than there are were wolves? Would the
bunnies take over and live forever?
2.
What would happen if there were lots more wolves than there are bunnies? Would the wolves
live forever?
3.
How do the rabbits and wolves live in balance in this game?