Chapter 13-Predator and Herbivory

Introduced species

A species that is introduced to a region of the world where it has not historically existed.

Biological control

Introductions of one species to help control the abundance of another species.

Mesopredators

Relatively small carnivores that consume herbivores.

Top predators

Predators that typically consume both herbivores and mesopredators.

Lotka Volterra Model

A model of predator-prey interactions that incorporates oscillations in the abundance of predator and prey populations.

Equilibrium isocline

The population size of one species that causes the population of another species to be stable, also known as zero growth isocline.

Joint population trajectory

The simultaneous trajectory of predator and prey populations.

Joint equilibrium point

The point at which the equilibrium isoclines for predator and prey populations cross.

Functional Response

The relationship between the density of prey and an individual predator’s rate of food consumption.

Type 1 Functional Response

A response where a predator’s prey consumption rate increases linearly with rising prey density until it reaches satiation.

Type 2 Functional Response

A response where a predator's rate of prey consumption begins to slow down as prey density increases then plateaus when satiation occurs.

Type 3 Functional Response

A response where prey consumption is low at low densities, rapid at moderate densities, and slows at high densities.

Search Image

A learned mental image that helps the predator locate and capture food.

Numerical Response

A change in the number of predators through population growth or population movement due to immigration or emigration.

Crypsis Prey

Camouflage that allows prey to blend in better with their environment.

Batesian Mimicry

Palatable species resemble unpalatable species.

Coevolution

When two or more species affect each other’s evolution.