Animal Food Chains: Strange Predators

Questions and Answers

What unique feature does the frogfish use to capture its prey?

A camouflage pattern to hide from fish

A web-like trap to ensnare fish

A powerful tail that can strike quickly

A special spike that looks like worms (correct)

How does the pistol shrimp stun or kill its prey?

By creating a loud noise to scare it away

By releasing a foul-smelling substance

By snapping its claw to create a powerful bubble (correct)

By injecting venom from its claw

What action does the bolas spider take to hunt for its prey?

It throws a sticky silk lasso (correct)

It spins an elaborate web to trap it

It hides in crevices and waits

It uses its legs to kick at the prey

What happens to the frogfish's lure if it gets eaten by a fish?

It regrows quickly, allowing the frogfish to continue hunting Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the temperature of the water bubbles created by the pistol shrimp?

They reach temperatures as hot as the surface of the sun Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does a margay cat use to attract its prey?

It mimics the cry of a baby monkey. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of pitcher plants?

They can trap and digest whole mice. Signup and view all the answers

How do sundews capture their prey?

Through long, sticky tendrils. Signup and view all the answers

What role do some plants play for tree shrews?

They function as a toilet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the Venus flytrap?

It has kidney bean-shaped leaves that trap prey. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strange Predators

Predators obtain energy by consuming other animals, with some utilizing unique strategies.
The frogfish uses an evolved spike resembling wriggling worms to attract small fish, then sucks them in.
Frogfish can regrow their lure if consumed, providing a defense mechanism while hunting.

Pistol Shrimp

Pistol shrimp possess one oversized claw that can produce a supersonic bubble stream when snapped shut.
This bubble burst can reach temperatures equivalent to 4,700°C, stunning or killing nearby prey.

Bolas Spider

The bolas spider employs a distinctive hunting technique by throwing a sticky, silken lasso to ensnare its prey.
This method showcases the spider's agility and precision in capturing opponents.

Margay

The margay cat, found in South American rainforests, mimics baby monkey cries to lure tamarin monkeys closer.
This deception allows the margay to ambush when the adult monkeys approach.

Predatory Plants

The Venus flytrap is a well-known carnivorous plant, featuring kidney bean-shaped leaves that snap shut on unsuspecting prey.
Sundews possess sticky tendrils that trap insects, while pitcher plants have tubular leaves filled with water and digestive juices to slowly digest trapped organisms.
Some pitcher plants have adapted to act as toilets for tree shrews, absorbing nutrients from their droppings.
Even common garden tomato plants can catch insects in their hairy stems, allowing them to absorb nutrients when these fall.

Description

Explore the intriguing world of strange predators in animal food chains. This quiz focuses on unique capturing techniques and adaptations that help these predators secure their prey. Learn about the bizarre lures, like that of the frogfish, and more as you dive into this fascinating topic.