Lesson 2: Step 2 Run all Predict: Simulation 1 Observe: Simulation 2

Plant A 3214 4902

Plant B 2347 980

Plant C 1107 X

Herbivore A 1570 556 Only eats Plant A Plant B 1934 1788

Herbivore B 812 556 Only eats Plant A Plant B 1934 1715

Herbivore C 812 556 Only eats Plant B Plant C 1238 1609

Omnivore A 369 X Only eats Herbivore C 93 295

Omnivore B 369 X Only eats Plant A Plant C 111 124

Top Predator 126 255 Only eats Herbivor eC 9 29

Modifications made Results of modifications

3886 270

2204 2630

1469 5027

Image 4: showing all plants and animals coexisting

Predict, Reason and Explain 1. Was your prediction correct? How did you arrive at your prediction? What differences were there between your prediction and the simulation? I predicted that everything would decrease as not all species of plants and animals can happily coexist. It was hard to predict which plant was going to continue producing to become the dominant species; but this was expected as this is how ecosystems function to rebuild. I was very surprised that the top predator increased as drastically as it did (Annenberg Learner, 2013). 2. Were you able to modify the parameters so that each species survived? Explain how you decided what changes to make: Yes I was able to make all species coexist in a sustainable manner. I figured that not all herbivores eat exactly the same number or species of plants. I did the same for the omnivores. Because omnivores consume both plants and animals, it doesnt necessarily mean both omnivores in the simulation require both sources of food for their survival. The top predator required only one food source; herbivore C. As the results indicate, there are still many more plants in the ecosystem then herbivores, omnivores and top predators which signify sustainability and balance of resources (Annenberg Learner, 2013). 3. Which way does energy flow and how does eating an organism result in energy transfer? Firstly plants go through the process of photosynthesis; using the suns energy to grow, becoming an energy source for consumers. The herbivores and omnivores consume the plants for their survival. The carnivores consume the herbivores and omnivores. When animals digest their food sources, they deposit them back into the ground in the form of droppings. Decomposers work to break down these materials turning them into organic material which feeds the soil allowing for the new growth of plants to begin again. (Annenberg Learner, 2013).