Original PromptOne of the primary predators of deer in South Carolina is the coyote (Canis latrans), a species that has expanded its range into the southeastern U.S. over the past several decades. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders that prey on a variety of animals, including rodents, rabbits, and importantly for deer population dynamics, fawns (young deer). Research in South Carolina has documented that predation by coyotes is a frequent cause of mortality for deer neonates, making them a key factor in recruit...
This learning resource explores the predator-prey dynamics within the South Carolina deer ecosystem, focusing on the ecological roles of key predators like coyotes and bobcats, as well as human hunters. It includes goals and objectives to identify these predators, analyze their interactions with deer, and construct a food web. The content emphasizes critical vocabulary related to predator-prey relationships, fawn mortality, and recruitment rates. Students engage in activities such as matching predator characteristics, analyzing DNA evidence from coyote diets, and contrasting hunting strategies of different predators. The resource also encourages students to visualize and build food webs based on research findings, while applying ecological data to real-world scenarios. Additionally, it facilitates a deeper understanding of ecosystem roles and population dynamics, prompting students to reflect on predator management's impact on ecosystem balance.