The%20Ideal%20Free%20Distribution%20Theory.%20Are%20Fish%20Really%20

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The Ideal Free Distribution Theory. Are Fish
Really Ideal Free?
Kelly Fox Marine Biology Major Tennessee
Technological University
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What is the Problem?
Summary
The problem in this experiment is determining
whether or not fish are ideal free? I hope to
accomplish this goal by recreating an experiment
done in Animal Behavior Lab. My expected results
for this experiment are that the fish are indeed
ideal free.
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Introduction
The objective of my experiment is to prove that
the ideal free distribution theory is correct. My
hypothesis is are fish really ideal free. The
ideal free distribution theory was created by
Fretwell and Lucas in 1970. Fretwell Lucass
ideal free distribution theory predicts that the
spatial consumer should follow the distribution
of the resource they depend on (Jackson et al
2004). The IFD theory has been recreated many
times in many different experiments. Ruth Darling
says the IFD theory can be applied whenever
there is competition over a resource which is
patchily distributed (Darling 2000).
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Objective

• The objective of this experiment is of course to
  provide evidence that the ideal free distribution
  theory is correct.
• Hypothesis
• My hypothesis is Are Fish Really Ideal Free?

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Methods Materials

• Methods I am recreating an experiment done in
  Animal Behavior Labs.The experiment itself is to
  place 4 fish in a tank and add food. Then watch
  for 15 minutes to see which side of tank they go
  to. Repeat experiment with 8 fish. Data Form
• Materials 10 Gallon Aquarium Tank, Fish Food,
  12 Goldfish/Guppies.

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Results Benefits

• The results of the experiment differ of course
  for every experiment done. In my experiment
  however the results are as follows
• 4 Fish In Tank Throughout the 15 trials 35 times
  they were on the right side and 25 times they
  were on the left side.
• 8 Fish In Tank Throughout the 15 trials 41 times
  they were on the right side and 79 they were on
  the left side.
• My hypothesis in this experiment was proven. Fish
  really are ideal free. It makes no difference
  which side of the tank has more food, the fish
  went to both sides.

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Pictures
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Questions