This interactive explores niche partitioning as a mechanism that enables similar species of animals to exist in the same habitat over time. It is based on research conducted by Drs. Robert Pringle and Tyler Kartzinel in Kenya (Kartzinel et al. PNAS 112: 8019-8024, 2015).

It consists of two modules. In Module 1, you will collect and analyze data based on observations of herbivores foraging in the Kenyan savanna. In Module 2, you will learn about the technique of metabarcoding for studying herbivores diets.

Progress through the interactive:

  1. Testable Question: Do Herbivores Partition their Niches?
  2. Investigate Three Possible Mechanisms:
    • Time
    • Space
    • Food
  3. Data Collection 1: Binoculars in the Field
  4. Data Analysis 1
    1. Generation of Claim: Some Evidence for Dietary Niche Partitioning
    2. Explore Limitations of Claim: Cannot Explain Partitioning by Observation Alone
  5. Data Collection 2: DNA Metabarcoding
  6. Data Analysis 2
    1. Revision of Claim Via Multiple Lines of Evidence: Coexistence through Dietary Niche Partitioning

Proceed through each module by clicking on the forward arrows on the screen. At times, you will be prompted to make predictions or answer questions about the data. Your progress can be viewed at any time by clicking the “Progress” tab. More information about saving your progress is available under “Help.”

Credits

Producers

Laura Bonetta, PhD, HHMI
Aline Waguespack Claytor, PhD, Consultant

Scientific Advisors

Tyler Kartzinel, PhD, Brown University
Robert M. Pringle, PhD, Princeton University

Design and Development

Bill Pietsch, A3MG
Davey Thomas, A3MG

Art Direction and Graphics

Fabian de Kok-Mercado, MA-CMI, HHMI

Additional Graphics

Heather McDonald, PhD
Bill Pietsch, A3MG

Photo Credits

Background plant and animal images from Thinkstock
Striated heron photo courtesy of Lip Kee Yap through Creative Commons
Imbala, dik-dik, and Grevy’s zebra dung photos courtesy of Dr. Robert M. Pringle
Buffalo dung photo by Krista Rossow/National Geographic Creative
Abutilon mauritianum photo courtesy of Scamperdale through Creative Commons
Acacia drepanolobium photo courtesy of Dick Culbert through Creative Commons

Reviewers

Tim Guilfoyle, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, NC
Amy Fassler, Marshfield High School, WI
Kim Parfitt, Central High School, WY
Mark Eberhard, St. Clair High School, MI
Scott Sowell, PhD, Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, FL
Bridget Conneely, HHMI
Mark Nielsen, PhD, HHMI

Web Editor and Videos

Chris Vargas, HHMI

Based on a concept developed at an HHMI BioInteractive professional development workshop in November 2015 by Jim Serach, Kim Parfitt, Mary Williams, Scott Sowell, Melissa Csikari (HHMI), and Jennifer Bricken (HHMI).

Version 2.2
Updated on 07/11/2023