12 - Predator prey mismatch

What is a co-evolutionary arms race

Continuous adaptation between predators and prey to survive and capture each other

Why do co-evolutionary arms races occur

Predators need food and prey need to avoid being eaten

What is predator-prey mismatch

When predator and prey adaptations become out of sync

Why do mismatches occur

Different rates of response to environmental change like climate change

What is phenology

The study of seasonal life cycle events such as breeding or migration

Why can phenology cause mismatch

Species respond differently to climate changes, disrupting timing

How does climate change cause mismatch

It shifts timing of events like breeding or food availability at different rates

What is an example of mismatch in animals

Snowshoe hares having coat colour mismatched with reduced snow cover

How does mismatch affect species survival

It can increase predation or reduce food availability

What is density dependence in ecosystems

Population regulation where effects depend on population size

How can density dependence reduce mismatch impacts

It buffers population declines by limiting growth when numbers are high

What is a key example of phenological mismatch

Oak trees, winter moths, and great tits becoming out of sync

How are birds affected by phenological mismatch

Their breeding timing may not match peak food availability

What is the long-term requirement for species survival

Evolutionary adaptation to environmental changes

How does urbanisation create mismatch

It changes food availability and habitat conditions

Why do urban birds have lower success

Less optimal food like caterpillars reduces breeding success

How do urban birds adapt to mismatch

They switch diet but it is often lower quality

What is the overall impact of global change on ecosystems

It disrupts species interactions and ecological balance