This model simulates animal interspecific competition and herbivory.

• Grades: 6-8;

• NGSS Standards: MS-LS2-2

Agents:

There are three types of agents: plants, mice1, and mice2.

Model Rules:

1. There are 168 patches (light blue squares) in the model. The nutrients in each patch may support and only support one plant.

2. Both species of mice feed on the same type of plants. Plants regrow every year.

3. Mice lose energy when they move around to search for food and die when running out of energy.

4. Mice gain energy when they find food and will produce offspring when they accumulate enough energy.

5. Mice’ life spans are determined by the slides “mouse1-lifespan” and “mouse2-lifespan”.

CREDITS AND REFERENCES

Dr. Lin Xiang (lin.xiang@uky.edu) created this module at the University of Kentucky in 2022. If you mention this model in a publication, we ask that you include the citations below.

Xiang, L. (2022). Herbivory and Animal Interspecific Competition. Department of STEM Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.