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The Predator-Prey Theory in an Ecosystem

The Predator-Prey Theory in an Ecosystem. Presented BY: Bill La Tour Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School & Sterlin Emile Samuel J. Tilden High school. Purpose of the Predator-Prey. Initial Goal : To demonstrate the concept of energy flow in an ecosystem

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The Predator-Prey Theory in an Ecosystem

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  1. The Predator-Prey Theory in an Ecosystem Presented BY: Bill La Tour Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School & Sterlin Emile Samuel J. Tilden High school

  2. Purpose of the Predator-Prey • Initial Goal: To demonstrate the concept of energy flow in an ecosystem • Ultimate Goal: To help students understand that Biology is not only a theory but rather a daily interaction between species in the environment

  3. How does Energy travel in the Environment? • Key Concepts: The ultimate source of Energy in the environment is the Sun. • Green Plants known as Producers use the sun’s energy into a process known as Photosynthesis to produce food. • The group of animals eating directly from the plants called herbivores use the plants as their source of energy • Carnivores (meat eaters) and omnivores (eat both meat and plants) Get their energy from the herbivores or smaller carnivores

  4. Purpose of the Predator-Prey model • Goal # 1: To illustrate, using visual interaction, that a hierarchy order exist in the environment • Goal #2: Advance the Predator-Prey model to perform more functions related to classroom activities useful to scientists.

  5. Building the Predator-Prey Model • We built a table and a border wall using plywood, Plexiglas and green felt to simulate grass. • We used a silk flower mounted on a servo-motor to simulate growth by photosynthesis • The prey was made using a Boe-Bot kit • The predator was built using mechanical hardware • All components, except the table, were built using various circuitry.

  6. Programming the Predator-Prey Model • The flower: We use a photo-resistor to sense light which activates the motor mechanism causing the flower to grow and also in the absence of light, it causes the crickets to chirp. • Prey: Using Infrared detectors, the prey is able to hone in on the flower containing the infrared emitter. • Predator: Similar to the prey, is able to hone in to the prey using its infrared sensor

  7. Conclusion • The predator-prey model is a useful tool that all living environment teachers are encouraged to use in order to help students understand with a visual the way energy travels in an ecosystem. • Such a vivid image will help students realize that biology is an applied concept not pure theory.

  8. Special Thanks To: • Professor Vikram Kapila • Anshuman Panda • Padmini Vijayakumar • Jared A. Frank • Sang-Hoon (Nathan) Lee • Alessandro Betti • All the other T. A’s who have done a great job assisting us

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