Walking Predation: Bush Environment Activity

WALKINGSTICK PREDATION: BUSH ENVIRONMENT ACTIVITY
Try the simulated population of walkingstcks that exhibit colour variation to investigate the impact of predation
on the insects in 3 different environments.


Conduct predation interactions over 5 generations, collect population statistics, and graph the numbers of individuals with colour trait in each generation.

You should be able to see that the ratio of individuals with specific colour traits varies, depending on the colour of the environment in which they live.

Record the data of your findings in your journal.
You are a predator. You prey on walkingsticks. This is what the walkingstick looks like.
a. Open the walkingstick multimedia program to Level 1—Eat Insects.
b. Select the 30 Clicks to Eat Insects button.
c. Use your 30 clicks to eat as many as you can.
d. Then click the Results button.
e. Record your results in the table shown below in your journal.
f. Click Start Over and select 30 Seconds to Eat Insects. Eat as many insects as you can in 30 seconds.
g. Record your results in the table below in your journal.

1. Which color of walkingstick was easiest to find? Which was hardest? Why do you think that was the case?

The brown walkingstick was the easiest to find. While the green-brown as well as the green walkingstick were the hardest to find.

The brown walkingstick was mostly found on the green leaves. Therefore, its brown colour is contrasting to the green leaves. Allowing it to be the easiest to find.

The green brown and the green walkingstick were mostly found on the green leaves. Therefore their colours blend in with the green leaves. preventing them from being found easlily.

2. Which color of walkingstick survived best when there was a time limit on feeding? Why do you think that color survived best?

The green brown insect survived the best.

The reason being, its green brown colour allows it to blend in with the environment. (branches and leaves) Also, as there was a time limit given, those walkingsticks that stand out from the environment would be easier to find as they are more attractive.

3. Discuss the results of the walkingstick predation in terms of adaptations.

The walkingstick having a brown, green and green-brown blend in with their natural habitat, which is green leaves and brown branches. This then aids in their adaptaions from getting czught by predators.