Summer, predation on fawns reduces the deer population slightly. Late spring/early summer, with fawns being born represents the time of highest deer population. The numbers of deer in a population varies over the course of a year. Population change = (birth + immigration) - (death + emigration).ĭeer, and most other wildlife populations, show a regular pattern of increase after the breeding season and decline following hunting season and winter mortality. Deer populations decrease through deaths or when animals leave the area or disperse (emigration). Deer populations increase through births or when new animals move into the area (immigration). White-tailed deer populations naturally rise and fall at different times of the year. Lecture, Simulation, and Inquiry Doing the Activity Background (PA State Standard Environment and Ecology) (PA State Standard Environment and Ecology)Ĥ.6.7.C Threatened Endangered and Extinct Species - Explain natural or human actions in relation to the loss of species. (PA State Standard Environment and Ecology)Ĥ.6.7.A Ecosystems and their Interactions - Explain the flows of energy and matter from organism to organism within an ecosystem. (PA State Standard Mathematics)Ĥ.2.7.B Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources - Examine the renewability of resources. (PA State Standard Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening)Ģ.5.8.B Mathematical Problem Solving and Communication - Verify and interpret results using precise mathematical language, notation and representations, including numerical tables and equations, simple algebraic equations and formulas, charts, graphs and diagrams. (PA State Standard Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening)ġ.6.8.C Speaking and Listening - Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations. Graph deer populations on a seasonal cycle.ġ.6.8.A Speaking and Listening - Listen to others. Name the most limiting factor to Pennsylvania's deer population. Identify 3 of the 4 essential components of wildlife habitat.ĭescribe 4 factors that influence wildlife populations.ĭiscuss the reasons why deer populations fluctuate over time. Upon Completion of this lesson students will be able to: Topics: population dynamics, wildlife habitat Goals for the Lesson Setting: Classroom and large open indoor or outdoor area Total Time Required for Lesson: 60 minutes, classroom and activity time

Prepared by: David Jackson, Extension Educator Keywords: white tailed deer, population dynamics, habitat

Rabbit population simulation game