Forest Ecosystem: Growth and Predator-Prey Cycle (2D)

Growth of Trees

In a forest ecosystem, tree growth is influenced by several factors including light availability, water, nutrients, and competition with other plants. As trees grow from seedlings to mature trees, they require more space and resources, which can limit the growth of younger trees. This process is governed by equations that describe photosynthesis rates and biomass accumulation.

The simulation models these processes through a series of stages: seeds germinate into seedlings, then grow into saplings, and finally mature into full-grown trees. The rate at which each stage progresses depends on environmental conditions such as light intensity and nutrient availability.

Predator-Prey Dynamics

The interaction between deer and wolves in the forest ecosystem is a classic example of predator-prey dynamics. Deer consume young trees, which can limit their growth and survival. Conversely, wolves control the deer population by hunting them, preventing overgrazing and maintaining ecological balance.

These interactions are modeled using Lotka-Volterra equations, which describe how the populations of predators and prey change over time based on birth rates, death rates, and predation rates.

Environmental Factors

The forest ecosystem is also influenced by external factors such as seasonal changes and fire risk. Seasonal variations affect the availability of light for photosynthesis, while fires can drastically alter the landscape by removing older trees and creating space for new growth.

In the simulation, these factors are represented through adjustable sliders that allow users to explore how different conditions impact forest dynamics.

Trophic Cascade

A trophic cascade occurs when a change in one trophic level affects subsequent levels. For example, if the deer population is reduced due to wolf predation, it can lead to an increase in tree growth and potentially alter the forest structure over time.

The simulation demonstrates this concept by showing how changes in predator or prey populations can ripple through the ecosystem, affecting not only the immediate species but also the overall health of the forest.

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Forest Ecosystem: Growth and Predator-Prey Cycle (2D) and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.