Why Dissect a Frog When You Can Simulate a Lion?

Abstract

We are concerned with creating computer-based learning environments which provide students with opportunities to develop causal explanations of complex phenomena through experimentation and observation. We combine video and simulation to facilitate such exploration in high school biology classrooms. Specifically, we focus on issues in behavioral ecology and the predation behaviors of the Serengeti lion. The question explored by students concerns the effec-tiveness of the lion’s hunting strategies. Although popular-ized as a skilled predator, only 1530 % of the hunts at-tempted by lions result in the successful capture of prey (Schaller 1972). Explaining the causal factors underlying this statistic requires an understanding of cooperative be-havior, optimality, resource competition, and variation. The