PART 4: Predation, Predator-Prey Relationship, Competition

What is predation? What does it control?

It is the most common relationship between animals - helps control both the prey and predator population

What is a predator. Give two examples

An animal that hunts, kills and eats other animals

Example

• Lions

• Tigers

What is a prey. Give an example

An animal that is hunted on, killed and eaten by the predator

Example:

• Rabbits

What are 3 characteristics of predators

• Usually larger in size and fewer in number than their prey

• Sometimes hunt in packs

• Usually hunt the old, injured, young or sick since they are easier targets

What is one characteristic of prey (compared to predators)

They are usually smaller in size and larger in number than their predators

What are 5 defence strategies prey have

• They stay in large groups to protect the young

• They form defensive circles

• They try to confuse the predator

• Some of them show camouflage, sting or change colour as a warning to the predator

Explain the Predator-Prey relationship as a repeating cycle

• If the prey increase, the number of predator also increases, since there is more food for them

• If the predator number increases, the prey decrease, since there is more predation.

• If the prey numbers decrease, the predator number decreases, since there is less food

• If the predator number decreases, the prey number increases since there is less predation.

THIS CYCLE KEEPS REPEATING

Why do all organisms compete and over what?

All organisms compete for food, shelter and a mate for survival since resources are limited

What are the two types of competition

1. Intraspecific competition: competition between organisms of the same species

2. Interspecific competition: competition between organisms of different species

What’s an example of interspecific competition

How the Acacia tree competes with other plant species for water thanks to its aggressive root systems

What do competition and predator-prey relationships ensure

1. Prevents overpopulation of species which always has a negative effect on

2. Ensures future generations are better adapted to their environment: only the fittest animals will survive and therefore reproduce