Question

a random number generator is used to model the patterns of animals in the wild. this type of study is called
a survey.
a random sample.
an experiment
a simulation.

Explanation:

A simulation uses a model (like a random number generator) to mimic real - world processes (here, animal patterns in the wild). A survey collects data from a group, a random sample is a subset for study, and an experiment manipulates variables. Since a random number generator is used to model, it's a simulation.

Answer:

a simulation.