Objectives This exercise is designed to expose you to simulation…

Objectives This exercise is designed to expose you to simulation…

Objectives This exercise is designed to expose you to simulation

modeling using Microsoft Excel. Simulation modeling is a useful tool in the field of ecology. Instructions First review the PDF file Introduction-to-Modeling-and-Simulation_Odum. Then review the PowerPoint presentation EVSP416 General Ecology HW-C PowerPoint. Next open the Excel file called EVSP416-HW-C-Models. Note that each worksheet (tabs along the bottom left) hosts a different model. You will find the systems diagram, the equations, and a graph representing the storage quantity over time for each of these models. Try the following “what-ifs” for the given model. Note that these are intended as essay questions. Really think about these models and how things change depending on the inputs and coefficients. Does it matter how much you change something (e.g. by half, double, an order of magnitude)? Does the system crash or explode? Why? Consider the complexity within these simple mini-models as you craft your response. Then: Answer these 8 questions: 1. For the EXPO model, describe what happens when you increase the energy source depending on how much you change it. 2. For the NONRENEW model, describe what happens when you decrease the energy source depending on how much you change it. 3. For the RENEW model, describe what happens when you increase the “drain.” What happens when you decrease the drain? 4. For the 2SOURCE model, explain what happens if you make production more efficient. And, explain how you made the production more efficient (i.e. what did you change). 5. For the LOGISTIC model, describe what happens if you make the production less efficient. And, explain how you made the production less efficient (i.e. what did you change). 6. For the PREDPREY model, describe what happens when you increase the drain on the predator. How does the model change depending on how much you increase the drain? 7. For the PREDPREY model, think about how you can use this model to study species interactions. Describe one ‘what-if’ scenario and explain how you can use it to test your desired research question in the study of ecology. 8. What is the real-world application of your research question in number seven above? Explain how these models relate to ecological principles.