This showed that the black prey were more fit and could reproduce more. Therefore, the predators selected them the most. The green prey were unable to camouflage as well as the black. Again, the prey density of was the same for both. So because the prey selection was mostly the green because it had the unfavorable trait and could not camouflage, the more fit black and blue were able to have higher reproduction rates and pass down their naturally selected traits.Įx 2: In this exercise, we took out the blue prey. However, the black and blue prey proved to be the more fit and were able to reproduce and pass down their favorable traits. This killed most of them out very quickly, which made their reproduction rates also low, because of the already few numbers. However, when the predators began to hunt, their prey selection was mostly the green prey. All of the prey began with the same population density. Continue this process until all of the prey are consumed.Įx 1:(# of prey left) X 1.2 = # of prey next generationĭiscussion: Ex 1: In exercise 1 we used blue, black, and green with a dark blue background. After each generation, calculate the amount of offspring that survived and add them to the next generation. Again, capture as much prey as possible in the time interval, while spinning around after each capture. Instead of 20 seconds, change it to 10 second intervals, so that population isn't depleted to fast. Use fifteen individuals again, and scatter them through out the environment. Show the previous recorded data to the instructor and receive the reproduction rate. The best camouflaged and a conspicuous color will be used. For the second exercise, only the two species of the prey are going to be used. Repeat this until the population is exterminated or until the fifth generation is reached. Calculate the amount of prey that will survived to the next generation. After the 20 second interval ends, record the amount of prey was eaten. Set the timer for 20 seconds and each predator will gather up as much prey as they can during the time interval, but after each time a prey is captured, the predator must spin around so that the population is not depleted to fast. Have the three 'predators' grab a pair of tongs. Lie the table cloth, or 'environment' on a big flat space and depending on the color of the habitat, choose fifteen of three colors from the squares that will best camouflage in the environment.Next, scatter to squares evenly. Three students will be the predators, one will time, and the other will record the data. Materials and Method: Group up with five other students and g ather the necessary materials which include a colored cloth, tongs, a pen, the Prey/Predator lab handout, and a timer.

Predator vs prey