🐺 Trophic Cascade Simulator

Explore how changes in one population ripple through an entire ecosystem

Driving Question: "Why did removing wolves from Yellowstone change the rivers?"
How to Use This Simulation
  1. Adjust the controls to change simulation variables
  2. Click Start to run Trophic Cascade Simulator - Yellowstone Ecosystem
  3. Observe the results in the display area
  4. Click Reset to try different settings
  5. Complete the Predict-Observe-Explain section below

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

Yellowstone Ecosystem Food Web Year: 1920
1920: Simulation initialized - Yellowstone ecosystem in balance

🎯 Choose a Scenario

📊 Population Trends

Wolves
Elk
Willows
Beavers

🔺 Current Population Status

Apex Predators

Wolves, Mountain Lions
150
Stable

Secondary Consumers

Coyotes, Eagles, Bears
800
Stable

Primary Consumers

Elk, Deer, Beavers
15,000
Stable

Producers

Willows, Aspens, Grasses
100%
Healthy

⚡ Energy Transfer (10% Rule)

Producers
100%
Primary
10%
Secondary
1%
Apex
0.1%
Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments
#SpeedSliderObservation

📝 Record Your Observations

Before running the simulation: What do you think will happen to elk, willow trees, and beavers if wolves are removed from Yellowstone?
While running the simulation: Record what happens to each population over time. Note any surprising connections.
After the simulation: Explain HOW removing wolves could change rivers. Use evidence from your observations.
🌊 Cascade Effect Triggered!

Key Concepts

Variables

Changing one variable while controlling others helps us isolate cause and effect in Trophic Cascade - Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Patterns

Look for repeatable patterns in the data — they reveal the underlying scientific principles.

Models

This simulation is a model — a simplified representation that helps us understand Trophic Cascade - Yellowstone Ecosystem.