Predator-Prey Dynamics

Interspecific Exploitation

Interaction increasing one species' fitness, reducing another's.

Exploitative Interactions

Relationships where one species benefits at another's expense.

Predator-Prey Relationship

Dynamic interaction between predators and their prey.

Herbivory

Consumption of plant material by herbivores.

Parasitism

Parasite benefits at host's expense.

Lotka-Volterra Model

Predicts predator-prey population dynamics over time.

Population Inertia

Delayed response of predator populations to prey changes.

Mutualism

Interaction where both species benefit from the relationship.

Carnivory

Killing and consumption of other animals.

Food Availability

Herbivores have more food options than carnivores.

Digestive Tract Length

Herbivores have longer tracts for complex plant digestion.

Plant Defenses

Mechanisms plants use to deter herbivory.

Exploitative Relationships

Connections where one species exploits another for resources.

Consumption Types

Includes herbivory, predation, and parasitism.

Moose-Wolf Dynamics

Population graphs show predator-prey phase differences.

Energy Flow

Concept explaining food availability in ecosystems.

Plant Parts Consumed

Herbivores eat seeds, fruits, leaves, and more.

Prey Population Rebound

Prey numbers increase after predator decline.

Species Interactions

Connections among species affecting fitness and survival.

Herbivore Foraging

Herbivores target specific plant areas for food.

Lake Okeechobee Interactions

500 species linked by 25,000 exploitative interactions.

High-Energy Plant Foods

Seeds and fruits are less available food sources.

Predator Numbers Decline

Occurs due to food scarcity after prey decrease.

Carnivory

Killing and consuming other animals for food.

Prey Consumption

Prey may be partially or entirely consumed.

Predation Rarity

Witnessing predation is a rare event.

Predator Confidence

Predators hunt when not pursued by others.

Search Image

Focus on specific prey type for hunting.

Carnivore Digestive System

Lower biomass than herbivores due to diet.

Carnivory Specializations

Adaptations for catching and killing prey.

Mechanical Defenses

Physical structures protecting plants from herbivores.

Inducible Defenses

Defenses that develop in response to predator presence.

Standing Defenses

Permanent defenses present regardless of predator presence.

Parasitism

Relationship where one organism lives on another.

Endoparasite

Parasite living inside the host organism.

Ectoparasite

Parasite living on the surface of the host.

Fitness Reduction

Host suffers decreased health due to parasites.

Parasitoid

Parasite that ultimately kills its host.

Insect Parasitoids

Insects laying eggs in hosts, consuming them.

Plant Defense Strategies

Evolved methods to avoid being eaten by herbivores.

Herbivore Consumption Rate

15-70% of plants eaten annually, varies by ecosystem.

Tough Epidermis

Hard outer layer of seeds and bark.

Entanglement Devices

Structures that deter small herbivores by entangling.

Piercing Devices

Structures that cut or penetrate herbivore defenses.

Cutgrass

Wetland species with silica cutting edges.

Spines and needles

Adaptations for water and food conservation.

Cellulose

Indigestible polymer preventing herbivory.

Lignin

Complex polymer enhancing plant structural integrity.

Secondary metabolites

Chemical defenses evolved to deter herbivores.

Phenolics

Compounds reducing protein digestion and growth.

Terpenes

Chemicals blocking ion transmission and causing dermatitis.

Alkaloids

Compounds affecting neurotransmission and causing nausea.

Retaliation

Defensive behavior using physical harm to predators.

Startling behavior

Surprising predators with deceptive appearances.

Deflection of attack

Redirecting predator focus to non-vital areas.

Death feigning

Pretending to be dead to avoid predation.

Fleeing

Quick escape from predators for survival.

Crypsis

Camouflage to avoid detection by predators.

Clustering

Safety in numbers to confuse predators.

Nausea induction

Chemical defenses causing discomfort to predators.

Host defenses

Plant strategies to resist herbivore attacks.

Cellulase

Enzyme breaking down cellulose for digestion.

Alkaline pH

High pH preventing tannin-protein binding.

Mutualism

Symbiotic relationship aiding in defense digestion.

Sub-toxic consumption

Eating small amounts to avoid toxicity.

Induced defenses

Plant responses activated after herbivore feeding.

Social carnivory

Cooperative hunting strategies among carnivores.

Pursuit adaptations

Short or long-distance hunting strategies.

Luring

Attracting prey using deceptive techniques.

Sit and wait

Ambush strategy for capturing prey.