Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
About This Simulation
Discover unique areas within an exoplanet’s landscape and apply your findings to predict the persistence of an alien species by estimating colonization and extinction rates.
Learning Objectives
- Determine factors that affect the location of patches within a landscape
- Calculate species extinction rates using species-area and endemics-area theory
- Estimate species extinction and colonization rates in a heterogeneous landscape
- Explain the impact of landscape spatial heterogeneity on population dynamics
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Species's persistence prediction
- Determine colonization probability
- Species-Area Relationship
- Analyze data on species' dispersal capabilities and specialization
Related Standards
- High level content, could support HS-LS2-6
- No direct alignment
- No direct alignment
Learn More About This Simulation
Not all areas within a landscape are created equal. When studying ecological processes in an environment, it is important to remember that landscapes may be spatially heterogeneous. In this simulation, you will learn to identify and compare unique patch types on the exoplanet Astakos IV and use their specific characteristics to help understand local population dynamics. Bioengineers need your help applying the principles of landscape ecology to determine if the persistence of the Propella species on Astakos IV is in danger.
Predict the Propella’s persistence on Astakos IV
A bioengineer has become fascinated by an interesting species on Astakos IV called the Propella that can generate energy from wind power. However, her team will not arrive from Earth for many years and she wants to know if the Propella species will continue to survive after the recent volcano eruptions and human growth on the planet. Using the principles of landscape ecology, you will examine colonization and extinction rates to predict the chance of the Propella’s persistence.
Determine colonization and extinction rates
You will use a variety of methods to estimate both colonization and extinction rates, which you will use together to predict the Propella’s population dynamics. Firstly, you will be tasked with interpreting GIS maps to identify a variety of different landscape patch types and paint a full mosaic of the landscape. Using impressive data visualization techniques layered on an interactive 3D map, you will analyze dispersal capabilities and specialization levels of a variety of species to help predict the colonization probability of the Propella. Extinction rates will be analyzed using both Species-Area Relationship and Endemics-Area Relationship. Finally, you will combine all of the accumulated data and landscape ecology principles to summarize the impact of recent volcano eruptions and human growth on the Propella’s population.
Suggest actions to improve persistence
You will complete your application of landscape ecology principles to predict the Propella’s chance of persistence and even suggest specific measures that could help increase the likelihood of its survival. Will you be able to help the bioengineers ensure that the Propella will be around long enough to learn its secrets?
Experience Labster for Yourself
75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster
Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content
Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios
Related Course Packages
+35 other courses
Foraging: Build a foraging theory to save the crops
Join the human colony on the fictional exoplanet Astakos IV to study the local alien species. What do they eat?hy and where do they forage for food? Can you build a model using our foraging theories from Earth?
The Carbon Cycle: Reduce carbon emissions
Help Farmer Greg understand the wider issues affecting corn production. Identify the different reservoirs and how they are connected, and then determine how human emissions affect the cycle by playing with the 3D model.
Competition: Learn to identify and quantify competition between species
Help the residents in Astakos IV to increase the yield of their crops by reducing the competition between different species.
For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Labster is hosted online, which means that students only have to login from their internet browsers once an account is created.
Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.
Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.
Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.