Suggested Exercise 3.4

Visit this online food web simulator. In the bar at the top of the page, next to LESSON, select "Food Web."

1. First, in the food web box, select "All On." Run the simulation, and note the population size of the Top Predator.

2. Reset the simulator and begin simplifying the food web by clicking on the animals and plants shown and changing feeding links. Re-run the simulation.

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Write a brief summary about what you find, answering these questions: What happens to the Top Predator? Is it more or less likely to go extinct as you make changes? Discuss your experiments with another student.