Explore the Predator-Prey Population Simulator
Watch rabbit and fox populations rise and fall with the Lotka-Volterra model. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Predator-Prey Population Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Predator-Prey Population Simulator?
Watch rabbit and fox populations rise and fall with the Lotka-Volterra model. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Ecologists and wildlife managers model predator and prey cycles for fisheries, forests and pest control, and the same maths describes epidemics and markets.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
More prey means predators thrive, then more predators means prey crash, and the cycle repeats.
The predator peak lags behind the prey peak.
At the equilibrium point both populations would stay constant, but small changes start the cycle.
Start with the defaults and watch the cycle.
Raise the predation rate.
Change the starting populations.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Biology learners
Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Predator-Prey Population Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Raise the predation rate. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why do predator and prey populations cycle?
Prey growth feeds predator growth, then predators eat down the prey, then the predators starve, and the prey recover. The two populations chase each other in a loop.
Is the Lotka-Volterra model realistic?
It is a simplified model. Real ecosystems have limits like food supply and competition, but it captures the core lag between predator and prey.
Is the Predator-Prey Population Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Predator-Prey Population Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Predator-Prey Population Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Predator-Prey Population Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 6 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Predator-Prey Population Simulator?
1. In the Predator-Prey Population Simulator, use the controls to change Prey birth rate, Predation rate, Predator gain from eating, Predator death rate, Starting rabbits, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Predator-Prey Population Simulator, press "Pause", "Restart" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Start with the defaults and watch the cycle. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Predator-Prey Population Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: More prey means predators thrive, then more predators means prey crash, and the cycle repeats.
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Try the Predator-Prey Population Simulator now
Watch rabbit and fox populations rise and fall with the Lotka-Volterra model. Free to use.
Try it free