Deep Water Anglerfish Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Describe the key features of the angler fish's head that help it capture prey?

The angler fish's head is filled with sharp teeth that are angled inwards, similar to a shark, which helps with grabbing prey and preventing it from escaping.

Explain the mechanism by which the angler fish captures its prey.

When an unlucky fish swims too close to inspect the angler fish's lure, the angler fish opens its mouth, creating suction that sucks the fish into its gaping jaws.

Describe the key differences between male and female angler fish.

Female angler fish are much larger than the males, up to 60 times longer and 500,000 times heavier. Only the females have an esca, which they use to attract both prey and mates.

Explain the phenomenon of sexual parasitism in male angler fish.

When a male angler fish finds a suitable female mate, it bites into her belly and fuses its body with hers. The male is then nourished by the female's blood and food, while his own fins and eyes wither away, as he is permanently attached to the female. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the potential evolutionary advantage of the size difference between male and female angler fish.

The large size difference may be an adaptation to food scarcity in the deep ocean environment. If both fish were the same size, they would require twice the energy, which would lead to increased competition for scarce resources and be unfavorable for the species' survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature that makes the anglerfish immediately recognizable?

The anglerfish is immediately recognizable by its distinctive lure, called an esca, that it uses to attract prey. Signup and view all the answers

At what depth range do deep water anglerfish live?

Deep water anglerfish live in waters between 300m and 5000m deep. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the anglerfish prefer to roll with the currents rather than swim actively?

The anglerfish prefers to roll with the currents rather than swim actively in order to conserve energy, as "food is scarce" at the great depths where they live. Signup and view all the answers

How does the anglerfish's esca (lure) produce light?

The esca is filled with symbiotic bacteria called photobacteria, which get protection and nutrients in exchange for glowing (bioluminescence). Signup and view all the answers

What additional bioluminescent features have researchers recently observed in some anglerfish?

Researchers have observed that some anglerfish have bioluminescent filaments in addition to the lure, which may help the fish visualize a 3-D map of its surroundings or attract prey. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Angler fish teeth

Sharp, inward-angled teeth for grabbing prey and preventing escape.

Angler fish capture mechanism

Opens mouth to create suction, drawing prey into its jaws.