This is a biology module that uses information you have learned in genetics, evolution, and ecology to explore the population dynamics of three organisms in a food chain: grass > rabbit > wolf. You will use STELLA in this interactive exploration. You will be able to see how these three populations interact under normal circumstances as well as explore the consequences of a gene mutation in a rabbit population. The results of the action of natural selection on that mutation will be easily observed over several generations. Other phenomena such as fire and disease can be explored in this simulation. Your observations throughout the simulation will allow you to answer questions and make predictions about many food chain relationships in ecosystems.

• What will I learn?
• What real world problem will I investigate?
  
• What do I need to know?
  
• What does the model look like?
• What possible research topics can I explore with the model?
• Stella tutorial
  
• What words do I need to know?
  
• Show me other web pages on this topic!
• How will I be evaluated?

Materials for Teachers

• A note to teachers
  
• Additional background material
  
• National Standards
  
• Instructional Framework (Microsoft Office file)
• Objectives
• Lesson plans
• Evaluation Rubrics

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