Read the Fine Print
Predator-Prey Coevolution
(Complete Item Description)
- Abstract:
Through natural selection, two interacting populations of predators and prey can change with respect to one another. Some prey individuals display characteristics that decrease their chance of capture; they have a reproductive advantage and produce more offspring. Other individuals display negative characteristics that result in a greater chance of being captured; their numbers decrease as they fail to reproduce. Predators are similarly affected. This exercise examines the change in numbers of individuals of three predator morphs and four prey morphs over four generations. Students actively participate as predators and capture prey morphs, simulating the feeding needed to support reproduction.
- Subject:
- Science and Technology
- Grade Level:
- Post-secondary
- Collection:
- Association for Biology Laboratory Education (ABLE)