Title: (Optional) Investigate the role of predatory mammals in Virginia and North America.
Course: Fisheries and Wildlife Management (18501) > Section: Examining Mammalian Species

Investigation should include

- list of predatory mammals
- roles of predators in the food chain
- changes in apex predator and mesopredator populations due to disease, decreased food availability, and natural disasters and the effects of such changes on plant and herbivore populations.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How do predators help stabilize populations of primary consumers?
- What impact would the removal of all predators have on other animal populations?
- What would happen to rodent populations if fox populations declined?
- What are the procedures for reintroducing a predator back into an ecosystem?
- What concerns are associated with large predator reintroduction?
- How are predator populations affected by prey populations?
- Why would the reintroduction of a predator species be considered a negative change by certain stakeholders?