Exploring Population Ecology Activity

Directions: Go to the website, Explorer and click on the link, Exploring Population Ecology activity on the lefthand bar. This will work like a webquest. Follow the directions on the simulation and answer these questions following questions. All directions for running the simulation appear on the top screen. Please use complete sentences. 1. What was the maximum population level of the fish before the prey were introduced? What was the maximum population level of the fish after the prey was introduced? Why is this?

2. What type of growth curve (J curve or S curve) would this image portray? Why? Sketch the graph.

3. What is the maximum population level of the fish before the size of the ecosystem was decreased? After? Why is this?

4. Why do you think there is a maximum population level? Why can the population levels not increase forever?

5. Hypothetically speaking, what if the size of the pond would be increased. How would the maximum population change. Would it change at all?