Education for, in and about the Frontenac Arch Biosphere

 

PROGRAM OUTLINE (2 hours)
This activity demonstrates some of the ecological principles upon which wildlife management is based. Participants in the game play the roles of different types of animals (herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores) which live together in a community. Participants must find food, water, and possibly a mate in the playing area. At the same time, they must either avoid being captured or capture prey depending on their roles. As a result of this exercise, participants will better understand the inter-relationships between plants and animals in their environment. Ecological concepts such as food chains, food pyramids, and food webs, trophic levels, predator-prey relationships, competition and adaptation are more easily explained using the Survival Game.

INTRODUCTION- (20 MINUTES)
The background for the Instincts for Survival game is laid through a discussion of the basic needs of animals. Charts and diagrams are used to illustrate a food chain as a transfer of energy from the sun to plants to a succession of animals. Examples of producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers are discussed. Food pyramids and food webs are examined.
The concept of animals as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores is addressed by examining skulls of animals from each category and noting the placing of these animals on the food pyramid shown on the playing board.
The rules of the game are explained with special emphasis on the adaptations that enable each animal to survive and the likely affect of introducing natural disasters, disease, and man into the habitat.
Each pupil is assigned a role and the class moves to the playing area.

GAME- (Approximately 90 minutes)
The game is played in a mixed wooded and open area with clearly defined boundaries. The area provides cover for herbivores to hide and the food and water stations are scattered through this area.
At the end of the time allowed, a whistle is blown for all players to return.

FOLLOW-UP SESSION-
Time is spent discussing the outcome of the game, the survival rate of the various mammals, and the strategies used.

Credit for this program is owed to the Leslie M. Frost Natural Resources Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.