Investigation 3 The Producer – Online Simulation

1. Investigation 3 The Producer – Online Simulation • 1. What assumptions does this model make about co-dominance as well as the general terrain of the ecosystem? • This model assumes that Plant A and Plant B cannot live co dependently in these conditions and that the dominant producer survived and thrived at the detriment of Plant B. This ecosystem had reached its maximum population capacity for Plant A by day 21. • 2.Do you find one producer to be dominant? Why might one producer be dominant over another? • Plant A in this simulation was the dominant producer. The ability of Plant A to become the dominant producer could be influenced by; • Its ability to reproduce quickly i.e. Seed dispersal, runners or bulbs. • Fast rate of germination and growth • Strong root system enabling it to readily draw in resources • Ideal climate conditions and soil quality for this species

2. Simulation – Lesson 1Plant A & B - Day 1 to 100

4. Does adding the herbivore establish a more equal field? Is one producer still dominant over the other? By introducing a consumer, Herbivore A, into the eco system a balance is achieve. The inferior plant species population, Plant B, has an opportunity to establish with reduced competition from the dominant species, Plant A. • If the simulation included decomposers, how would your current results change?Decomposers replace organic matter into the soil by breaking down dead plants and animals and animal waste . The increase in organic matter in the soil provides the ideal conditions for larger secondary producers such as trees to grow. Additional producers change the competition for resources and therefore will change the population of Plant A and Plant B. • How do producer population numbers with the presence of an herbivore compare to the primary colonizer model?

5. Simulation – Lesson 2 - Plant A & b and Herbivore A - Day 1-100