Log inSign up for FREE
Library

The Lynx Eats the Hare

Last updated almost 4 years ago
7 questions
Concepts to be learned:
• Predator / Prey Relationship • Population growth is exponential if left unchecked. • Disturbances in the relationship.
Materials (for each group)
  • Flat surface with a one foot by one foot square marked with masking tape or crayon, Snowshoe hares and Canadian lynx, Graphical Analysis and Data table
Safety Precautions
This activity is generally considered non-hazardous, but beware of the Killer Rabbits. They have very sharp fangs.
Preparation:
Use tape or crayon/neon dry-erase marker to mark off a square, one foot by one foot, on the tabletop. The square represents the area inhabited by a population of snowshoe hares. Make a copy of this data table to record the population tallies by following the example below. Allow enough space for 20 generations.
Procedure
1. Begin the simulation by populating the habitat with 3 hares - spread throughout the square.

2. Drop the lynx into the square making an effort to capture (i.e., land on any portion of) as many hares as possible. In order to survive and reproduce, the lynx must capture at least three hares when tossed. With the hare population at this stage, lynx survival is virtually impossible. Remove any hares captured and enter the tallies for the first generation.

3. The hare population doubles between generations—multiply “Hares Remaining” by two and enter the resulting number in the “Number of Hares” column for the second generation. Place the required number of hares in the square. If no lynx survived the previous generation another moves into the area since there is now an open niche. Drop the newly recruited lynx — repeating step 2. Remove any captured hares and enter the new tallies.

4. If a lynx is successful it survives until the next generation and also produces offspring—(one per each three hares captured.) Drop a lynx square once for each lynx.

5. As the population builds it is important to separately tally each lynx’s kills, removing captured hares after each lynx is tossed. Determine lynx survival and reproduction using individual lynx capture numbers. Remember, lynx produce one offspring for each three hares captured. If a lynx captures seven hares, three lynx enter the next generation—the original lynx and two offspring. Individual lynx capture numbers should be tallied on a separate sheet of paper and only totals entered in the table.

6. If and when both populations are at zero, start again with 3 hares and 1 lynx. Carry the simulation through 20 generations. You will need to create a line graph using your data. I will show you how to do this if needed.
1

Insert an image of your line graph here:

Refer to your graph and answer the questions below in well thought-out, complete sentences.
1

Referring to your group’s graph, in which generations did the hares experience a population minimum? In which generations did the lynx experience a population minimum?

1

What was the main cause of each of these minimums?

1

In this theoretical ecosystem which animal had the overall greater population?

1

Would your answer to the previous question apply to real world ecosystems? Give a reason for your answer.

1

Lynx and hares are native to the temperate forests in Pennsylvania yet there are very few lynx but millions of hares living in PA. Give a reason for this huge difference in population.

1

Suppose a large forest fire affected this theoretical ecosystem. Which population would be most adversely affected? Explain your answer.