Predator-Prey Simulation

Investigate the population dynamics of an ecosystem. Adjust the variables below to see how environmental limits (Carrying Capacity) and species traits affect the balance between predators (wolves) and prey (rabbits). This aligns with NGSS High School Life Sciences (HS-LS2).

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Maximum number of prey the environment's resources can support.

Current Population

Prey: 0
Predators: 0

Environment View

Population Dynamics Over Time

Understanding the Variables

Initial Prey (Rabbits) & Initial Predators (Wolves)
The starting population size of each species when the simulation begins or resets.
Isolated Environment (Island)
When checked, the environment acts as a closed system (like an island) bounded by an ellipse. No individuals can wander in from outside. When unchecked, it acts as an open patch where occasional individuals may migrate into the area to re-seed populations if they fall too low.
Prey Carrying Capacity
The maximum population of prey that the environment's resources (food, space, water) can sustainably support. In a logistic growth model, as the prey population approaches this limit, its growth rate slows down due to resource competition.
Prey Reproduction Rate
The base rate at which prey reproduce. Higher values mean the prey population can grow much faster when conditions are ideal, but they will still be limited by the carrying capacity.
Predator Hunting Efficiency
Represents how successful predators are at catching prey during an encounter. A higher efficiency means predators need fewer encounters to successfully hunt and gain energy. This can be seen as an abstraction of traits like speed, camouflage, or pack hunting strategies.
Predator Starvation Rate
The rate at which predators expend their energy reserves over time simply by existing and moving. It is an abstraction of the metabolic cost of living. If predators cannot find and eat enough prey to replenish this energy loss, they will starve and die.