Defense Mechanisms in Animals

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What is the purpose of mimicry in prey species?

To compete with other species

To adapt to changing environments

To attract a mate

To defend against predators (correct)

What is an example of an herbivore?

A monarch butterfly

A coral snake

A lion

A zebra (correct)

What is the result of natural selection on plants?

They become carnivorous

They develop adaptations to protect themselves from herbivores (correct)

They become poisonous to all animals

They can move to new habitats

What is the function of bright warning colors in some prey species?

To advertise their toxicity Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the viceroy butterfly and the monarch butterfly?

Mimicry Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a fungus-animal predator-prey relationship?

Athlete’s foot or ringworm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for two similar species to coexist successfully in the same community?

There is enough difference in their niches Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome when two species with identical niches compete?

Either the less competitive species will be driven to local extinction, or one of the species may evolve to use a different set of resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of predation in a community?

It determines relationships in population sizes and is a very effective regulator of population size Signup and view all the answers

What is the driving force behind the development of adaptations in predators and prey?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a predator having acute senses, fangs, claws, poison, or stingers?

It makes the predator more efficient at catching prey Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adaptation of prey to avoid being captured and eaten?

The ability to run very fast to escape the predator Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of character displacement between two species that live in the same environment?

They develop distinct characteristics that reduce competition. Signup and view all the answers

Why is competition most intense between closely related species?

Because they require the same resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the pattern of resource use where each species uses only part of the available resources?

Resource partitioning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the evolution of niche differences between two competing species?

To reduce competition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of character displacement in reducing competition between two species?

It enables them to feed on different resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of resource partitioning among warbler species in a spruce and fir tree?

Competition is reduced among the species Signup and view all the answers