Question

Raise the Sea Level toggle to 1 to simulate sea level rise due to climate change. Also, increase the Belanus larvae to 3.5. Run for 10 days, then pause. (increase simulation speed to 10x or higher)
2. During this simulation, you should have noticed a pattern between populations of Belanus and Chthamalus. Describe this trend and give a possible ecological reason for this to occur (which species out competed the other)

Answer 1

In this simulation, as you raised the sea level to simulate climate change effects, you also increased the Belanus larvae, which would likely lead to notable changes in the population dynamics of both Belanus and Chthamalus species.

### Observed Trend:
Throughout the simulation, you may have noticed that as Belanus larvae increased to 3.5, their population grew significantly, while the population of Chthamalus likely declined or remained stable at lower numbers. This trend indicates that Belanus is increasingly outcompeting Chthamalus for resources.

### Ecological Reason:
The primary ecological reason for this trend is competitive exclusion. Belanus might have a competitive advantage over Chthamalus due to several factors:

1. **Feeding Efficiency**: Belanus may be more efficient in acquiring food, which could be a critical factor for growth and reproduction. If Belanus can exploit the available resources more effectively, they will naturally outcompete Chthamalus.

2. **Habitat Preference**: With rising sea levels, changes to the habitat, such as increased submersion or altered light conditions, could favor Belanus if they are better adapted to these new conditions. If Belanus can survive and thrive in more submerged or altered habitats, while Chthamalus requires more stable or shallower environments, this could lead to a further decline in Chthamalus populations.

3. **Reproductive Success**: If Belanus has a higher reproductive rate or success under the new conditions created by sea level rise, this increased reproductive output could compound its population growth relative to Chthamalus.

4. **Predation and Disease Resistance**: Belanus might also possess traits that provide better resistance to predation or environmental stresses, allowing their population to maintain or grow when challenging conditions are present, unlike Chthamalus which may be more vulnerable.

Overall, the competitive dynamics shaped by these ecological interactions can result in Belanus becoming the dominant species, leading to a decline in Chthamalus populations, particularly under the stress of environmental changes such as rising sea levels.