Parameters in a model can interact with each other, so that the sensitivity of the model to one parameter depends on the value of a second parameter. The same is true of species’ behavioral characteristics, in terms of how they can affect population persistence in new or altered environments.

Recall that thedeath probabilityparameter is the death rate of butterflies outside their preferred habitat. Suppose that this parameter was available in the simulation in Exercise 3 (Sense and Sensitivity) of this lab. When would you expect the model’s sensitivity to this parameter likely to be HIGHEST? (Hint: Use what you’ve learned about the simulation model and butterfly behavior in fragmented landscapes.)