Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
Using art materials or computer generated graphics, design a scale representation of what you think an ideal habitat and territory would be for a coyote. Incorporate the elements a coyote needs to survive. Using the data obtained from the Visualization Tool, what would be the size of your created territory?
Study each territory on the Visualization Tool and determine where a coyote would find the things it needs to survive. Do you think the territories vary in biodiversity? If so, how might that affect the coyotes and the size of their territory?
How has the estimated population of coyotes in Illinois (or your state) changed over time? How do wildlife biologists estimate wildlife populations? What factors influence the population numbers? Does regulated hunting or trapping affect the overall population of coyotes in Illinois? Why or why not?
What potential dangers to the coyotes are present in each territory? Do coyotes have predators? What keeps their population under control? What role does the Illinois Department of Natural Resources play in population management? What specific hunting and trapping rules protect coyotes from over-harvest?
Within each territory on the Visualization Tool, where would coyote-vehicle collisons occur? How have urban coyotes adapted to navigating along and across streets? What design solutions could reduce coyote-vehicle collisons?
What might happen if one coyote or all the coyotes in a territory are “removed" or die? Consider the impact on humans, other coyotes in the area, prey species, etc… If coyotes are eliminated from a territory, do you think the removal would be permanent? What methods can the Illinois Department of Natural Resources use to "eliminate" a coyote?
What do coyotes eat? What types of food are the coyotes likely to find in each of their territories? What food sources might be present that habituate coyotes to humans? How do wildlife biologists verify what coyotes are eating in a given territory? Create a food web or chart for a coyote. Or, create a Coyote Cafe Menu!
Look at a satellite imagery map of your county. Based on what you learned from studying the coyotes' habits in the Visualization Tool, predict where coyotes might live in your area or neighborhood. What travel corridors might they use? Where might they locate a den? Where would they find food? Water? Shelter? Has anyone ever seen coyotes in your county?