Predator-Prey Relationship Dynamics

Topic
Resource Type
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
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Description

This activity guides the analysis of a published scientific figure from a study about Arctic fox populations and their main prey, lemmings.

Population sizes of predators and their prey often rise and fall together, following predictable patterns over time. In this study, scientists compared the population densities of one predator, the Arctic fox, and its prey, the collared lemming, in the High Arctic tundra of northern Greenland. The figure shows the population densities of the lemmings plotted against the corresponding densities of Arctic fox offspring.

The “Educator Materials” document includes a captioned figure, background information, graph interpretation, and discussion questions. The “Student Handout” includes a captioned figure and background information.

Student Learning Targets
  • Analyze and interpret data from a scientific figure. 
  • Describe the cause-and-effect relationship between predator and prey population dynamics.
Details
Estimated Time
Within one 50-minute class period.
Key Terms

density dependence, logarithmic scale, nonlinear regression, population density, scatter plot, time lag

Primary Literature

Gilg, Olivier, Ilkka Hanski, and Benoît Sittler. “Cyclic dynamics in a simple vertebrate predator-prey community.” Science 302, 5646 (2003): 866–868. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1087509. 
 
To access this article, set up a free AAAS account. An annotated version of the article is also available from Science in the Classroom.

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Created
Date Modified
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2-2; SEP2, SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2015)

4.A.5, 4.B.3; SP1, SP2, SP5

IB Biology (2016)

4.1, C.1, C.5

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.A, III.A

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7
Math.S-ID.3, Math.S-IC.1; MP2, MP5

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP2, DP3

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