Modeling the trophic cascade

Bolduc, Melanie Beth

Student Work

Modeling the trophic cascade

Public

The trophic cascade theory predicts that the abundance of the highest trophic level cascades down through the food web. We created an individual-based simulation model based on the experiments of Carpenter and Kitchell at Peter, Paul and Tuesday lakes. Our model captures the multiple life stages of the fish populations and temporal variation in the lake. We simulate Carpenter and Kitchell's fish removal and other experiments and produce results that provide new insights into trophic cascade.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator