Ecology: Predator-Prey Interactions

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What is the primary goal of modeling predator-prey interactions?

To eliminate predators.
To create artificial habitats.
To predict outcomes or explain patterns. (correct)
To demonstrate a food chain.

Empirical evidence is concerned with observation and experience rather than theory.

True (A)

What indicates top-down control in an ecosystem according to the studies on spiders and lizards?

The presence of predators decreases the number of prey.

Theoretical modeling in ecology primarily involves __________ methods.

conceptual or mathematical Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Empirical = Based on observation and experience Theoretical = Based on models and simulations Top-down control = Predator affects prey population Bottom-up control = Resource availability affects population size Signup and view all the answers

What research method was used when spiders were introduced to islands with and without lizards?

Experimental manipulation (A) Signup and view all the answers

The study by Schoener and Toft observed that islands with predators had more orb spiders than those without.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supported the concept of top-down control in the study of spiders and lizards?

The large difference in orb spider populations between islands with and without lizards. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary goals of modeling predator-prey interactions?

To predict outcomes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Empirical evidence in ecology is based solely on theoretical assumptions.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does top-down control refer to in population regulation?

Regulation of prey populations by the presence of predators. Signup and view all the answers

The study conducted by Schoener and Toft suggested that islands without lizards have __________ orb spiders.

more Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Empirical = Based on observation or experience Theoretical = Based on conceptual or mathematical models Top-down control = Population regulation by predators Bottom-up control = Population regulation by resources Signup and view all the answers

In the experimental manipulation involving spiders, what was the key variable being tested?

Effect of lizards on spider populations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Natural experiments can provide empirical support for theoretical models.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the observation regarding orb spiders on islands with lizards?

Fewer orb spiders were observed on islands with lizards. Signup and view all the answers

The study by Schoener and Toft used __________ manipulation to observe spider populations.

experimental Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between spiders and lizards as found in the study?

Lizards exert top-down control over spider populations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Predator-Prey Interactions

The relationship between predators and their prey, often modeled mathematically to predict outcomes or explain patterns in population sizes.

Bottom-up Control

Population regulation where the abundance of prey limits the abundance of predators.

Top-down Control

Population regulation where the abundance of predators limits the abundance of prey.

Mathematical Modeling

Using mathematical equations to represent interactions and predict outcomes in ecological systems, like predator-prey relationships.