James Ranney
Co-winner of the Barry Richmond Scholarship
(2009, age 18)
What is the impact of introducing an invasive species into an ecosystem?
This research project aims to better understand the complex nature of ecosystems and how major changes affect their equilibrium. The principle species include herons, trout, newts and bullfrogs.
The model begins with a simple food chain descending from herons to trout to newts. After the ecosystem reaches a healthy equilibrium, bullfrogs are introduced into the model. The introduction of an invasive secondary consumer greatly upsets the previously established balance.
This model gives us a window into the complex balance of ecosystems, and helps us understand the effects of major changes, specifically invasive species.
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