Predation

Q: Distinguish between the different forms of predation.

A: Forms of predation include parasitism, herbivory, cannibalism, parasitoidism, and predation which involves capture, kill, and consumption.

Q: Illustrate and explain the predator-prey cycle.

A: as the population of prey increases, the population of predators increases. As the population of prey decreases, the population of predators decreases

Q: Functional response

A: refers to an increase in the number of prey consumed by individual predators.

Q: Numerical response

A: refers to an increase in the number of predators as prey density increases.

Q: Type I

A: a linear increase in prey consumption.

Q: Type II

A: an increase in prey consumption at a decreasing rate.

Q: Type III

A: A sigmoid curve, which is affected by a threshold of security, the development of a search image, and switching.

Q: Describe two ways in which the numerical response can occur in predator populations.

A: Through an aggregative response (immigration and emigration of predators) and changes in predator natality and mortality.

Q: Discuss the optimal foraging strategy with regards to the optimal diet and foraging efficiency.

A: A strategy that provides the maximum net rate of energy gain. Optimal diet refers to the most efficient size of prey and foraging efficiency involves foraging in the most productive areas until profitability drops.

Q: Optimal

A: the most efficient size of prey

Q: Foraging efficiency

A: Foraging in the most productive areas until profitability drops.

Q: Discuss ways that animal prey defends against potential predators.

A: Chemical defenses, cryptic coloration, warning coloration, mimicry, armor and weapons, behavioral defense, and predator satiation.

Q: Discuss ways that plants defend against potential predators.

A: Chemical defenses (phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids), structural defenses (thorns, spines, prickles, sclerophyllous vegetation, pubescence), and mimicry.