Population Dynamics: Predator-Prey Interactions

 

Objective

The purpose of this exercise is to develop an understanding of population dynamics by modeling the dynamics of a hypothetical population. After we have established basic population dynamic relationships, you will investigate these relationships in greater detail by exploring the population dynamics of a hypothetical predator - prey population of foxes and rabbits.

 

Figure 1

Fox predator catching a prey rabbit

 

An effective means of understanding such a system is to model it, i.e. to think about the system critically, identifying stocks, flows, converters and connectors, and create a conceptual diagram. You will be given a description of the system, and some initial parameters. You will then develop a conceptual diagram together in groups. This diagram will serve to summarize our knowledge of the system, and convert descriptive information into symbols that are easy to manipulate. From the conceptual diagram, the descriptive data, and some initial parameters, you will construct a STELLA model that describes the rabbit-fox population dynamics.

 

Population Dynamics

 

In this lab we will be considering foxes and rabbits. We need to first examine the basics of population dynamics using the rabbit population to examine how populations change over time. Start up STELLA and click on the modeling tab.

 

The first stock stock tool icon in our model is Rabbit Population.

Recall that changes in stocks are modeled with the flow tool: flow tool icon. Changes in population are caused by Rabbit Births, so add it to your model.

 

The final piece needed for a complete model is the Rabbit Birth Rate. Add this using the converter toolConverter tool icon. Assume that the rabbit birth rate is 4% per day or .04 and your population starts with 10 rabbits.

 

Use the connector tool: Connector tool icon to complete the connections in your population model.

 

Define births with the following equation (this is the equation for our exponential growth model):

 

Rabbit Births = Rabbit Birth Rate * Rabbit Population

 

SAVE your model.

 

Specify an amount of time for the model under length of simulation:

 

From = 0, to = 250, DT = 1, and Unit of Time = days. Click OK.

 

Set up the viewing graph with the graph icon graph tool icon. Define your graph with the Rabbit Population stock. Run the model.

 

The graph that appears should look like Figure 2.

 

 

Figure 2

Graph of exponential population growth

 

A More Realistic Model

The model we have created works well, but recall that all populations have limits to their growth. How can we fix the model to give a more realistic result? We can show this effect in our model by adding a carrying capacity variable and changing the equation for Rabbit Births.

 

Carrying capacity is the maximum size a population can grow to given the available resources.

 

Add a converter to the model, below and to the right of the flow icon, and name it Carrying Capacity. Connect it to Rabbit Births. What would be a good value for carrying capacity for your population?

 

Change your equation to include the carrying capacity component of your model (this is our equation for the logistic growth model).

 

Rabbit Births = Rabbit Birth Rate * Rabbit Population * (1 - (Rabbit Population / Carrying Capacity))

 

The model should now look like Figure 3.

 

 

Figure 3

Population model with carrying capacity

 

 

Run the model with the same time specs. The new graph should look like Figure 4.

 

 

Figure 4

Graph of population with carrying capacity

 

Judging by the graph, this model seems to be more in line with the way a population might increase in an environment with finite resources.

 

Question 1

Describe two factors that would change carrying capacity in nature.

 

Rabbits and Foxes

Save the first part of this model. Now we will incorporate a predator into the system. First we have to describe how the prey (rabbit) population changes and then describe how the predator (fox) population subsequently changes, since the predator is dependent on the prey species for growth and survival. Below is a written description of how this system works as well as some data on the rates of the processes. Read through this information.

 

 

Then, in a small group, draw on a piece of paper a conceptual diagram on these data.

This diagram allows you to see, using symbols, how parts of the model relate to one another. It is the intermediate step in understanding the dynamics and should serve as the template for your STELLA model.

 

You should have an idea of what the outcome should be. In other words, how do you think the fox population should grow in relation to the rabbit population? Sketch out a quick graph of your expectations and ask yourself "why should it look this way and how might it look different?" This should help you figure out whether or not the model is functioning well once you run it in Stella. Show your GSI your diagram and get approval before opening Stella.

 

 

  Now, you can start building your model individually in Stella. Run your model for 500 days at a time step (DT) of 1.0 with an initial population of 1000 rabbits and 100 foxes. Make sure to create a graph that shows the dynamics of both populations.

 

Troubleshoot and Revise

Here are some tips to help exterminate the bugs in your model:

 

Questions

 

(Question 1 (1 point) is located above)

 

Question 2 (2 points)

Write the prediction that you created prior to running this model about the population dynamics of foxes and rabbits. Next, describe the dynamics of both populations under the conditions outlined above and discuss why this pattern occurs and compare your results with your prediction. Submit a copy of the model, the equations and a graph of the run.

 

Question 3 (2 points)

What parameter value(s) would you change to have the fox population crash (go to zero), and the rabbit population survive? Test your prediction and include your graph in your submission.

 

Question 4 (2 points)

What parameter value(s) would you change to have the rabbit population crash? How would this affect the fox population? Test your prediction and include your graph in your submission.

 

 

 

Question 5 (3 points)

What would you expect to happen (in terms of the dynamics of both populations) if rabbits exhibited logistic (s-shaped) growth? Test this out by modifying your model and adding this feature to the rabbit population. First, reintroduce the carrying capacity function (remember to change your rabbit birth rate equation to the logisitc growth equation). Now, set the carrying capacity to 10000. Explain the dynamics and include a graph.

 

Now, let's explore the impact of a long drought where the rabbit carrying capacity is much lower. Reduce the carrying capacity to 5000 from day 250 onwards. Explain the impact of a long drought on the rabbit population. Include a graph of this simulation in your submission.

 

 

For Next Week, turn in:

  1. Completed Stella Model (.STM file)
  2. Word doc containing:
    • Answers for Q1-5 and…
    • 5 Graphs
      • (1) Exponential Rabbit/Fox Interaction
      • (1) Crashing fox population, rabbits win!
      • (1) Crashing rabbit population, who wins?
      • (2) Carrying capacity at 10,000 and one with reducing carrying capacity as a graphical function.

 

Sources

http://www.canids.org/SPPACCTS/redfox.htm

 

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