Overview
Homework Module 15: Island Biogeography Simulation- Due Sunday by 11:59pm
- Points 25
- Submitting a file upload
- File Types pdf, doc, docx, jpg, and png
- Available Nov 29 at 12am - Dec 14 at 11:59pm
Scientists often build and use simple mathematical models to help them understand complex processes. This week you will use a website's model to simulate the colonization of an island by different arthropod species, the extinction of those species, and the recolonization of those species. The goal here is to think about small populations living in isolated areas and how they are affected by colonization (immigration from other areas) and extinction.
Although this simulation uses actual islands in an ocean, you can also think about "islands" as being any area of a specific habitat that is surrounded by areas in which a species cannot live. This is especially true if these "non-habitat" areas are challenging for the species in question to cross.
To get to the simulation, click on the following link:
Virtual Biology Lab: Island biogeographyLinks to an external site.
The directions and data sheet for the assignment are below as either a Microsoft Word document or a PDF; the two are the same so use the one you prefer. The PDF preserves the format better so is the best choice if you want to print it out and fill it in by hand. The Microsoft Word document is better if you want to type your information into the document itself.
Instructions and Data Sheet - Microsoft Word
Instructions and Data Sheet - PDF version
You will submit your data sheet as one or more documents; they can be Microsoft Word documents, PDF files, or jpg or png images.