Graphing Predator Prey Relationships and Natural Selection
Use the following Data to make a graph of the population of Anacondas in Venezuela, and the number of Capybara (large pig size rodents they eat). Graph either A or B.
Then answer the questions that correspond to your graph.
1. Did you choose a line or a bar graph? Explain why.
2. Describe the pattern you see in your graph. What relationship do the Anacondas and the Capybaras have?
3. Why is there a lag time in the graph between the number of prey and predator?
3. If a capybara had a mutation that gave them spots to be better hid from the giant snakes, what effect would that have on the 2 populations?
3b. Use a different color pencil on your graph and show what might happen. The capybara reproduces every 6 months, with an average of 4 surviving babies. (this is just an estimate on your part, no need for calculations).
4. Explain how natural selection plays a role in this change that would take place.
A B