Predator-Prey Interactions

• Predator-prey interactions are a crucial element in the structure of ecosystems.
• A predator is an organism that captures and consumes another organism, while prey is the organism that is captured and eaten.
• Predation is the process where one organism hunts, captures, and eats another.

Types of Predators

• Predators can be carnivores or herbivores.
• Herbivory occurs when the prey is a plant.
• A lion capturing a zebra is an example of a carnivorous predator.
• A zebra eating grass is an example of an herbivorous predator.
• Predators are usually larger than their prey.
• Most predators target specific prey, but some consume a wide range of organisms.

Types of Prey

• Prey can be animals or plants, depending on the predator.
• In the lion and zebra example, both the zebra and the grass are types of prey.
• Prey must develop adaptations to survive predation.

Predator-Prey Interactions, Adaptations, and Examples

• Predation is a strong selective force for prey organisms.
• Predators and prey are always adapting, leading to coevolution.
• Coevolution occurs when the fitness of two species is linked, and they evolve in response to changes in each other.
• An example of coevolution is lions evolving to become faster to catch zebras, and zebras becoming faster to avoid being eaten.

Camouflage of Prey and Predators

• Camouflage is a common adaptation where body shape and coloration help an organism blend into its environment.
• Polar bears use their white fur to camouflage in snowy environments, making it easier to capture prey.
• Deer use their brown fur and spots to blend in with wooded environments, avoiding predators.

Communication Techniques of Prey

• Prey organisms may use communication techniques to warn each other of predators.
• Species using these techniques often live in groups for protection.
• Vervet monkeys use different vocal signals for different predators, warning the troop of danger.
• Honeybees use vibrations to warn others in the hive of predators.
• Prairie dogs stomp their feet as a warning signal.

Offensive Techniques of Prey

• Offensive techniques are prey adaptations that utilize behavior or physical features for protection.
• Skunks spray chemicals to ward off predators and rarely use camouflage.
• Cactus plants use spikes to prevent being eaten by animals.

Warning Coloration

• Warning coloration involves using specialized body coloration to warn group members of dangerous predators.
• The coloration can warn predators of toxicity or give a false impression to deter them.
• The strawberry poison dart frog is brightly colored red to warn predators of its toxicity.

Mimicry

• Mimicry is when one species evolves to resemble another species that is toxic or dangerous.
• The organism itself may not be dangerous.
• Batesian mimicry occurs when a harmless organism mimics the warning coloration of a harmful species.
• The robber fly looks like a bumblebee, deterring predators.
• Mullerian mimicry is when two different species share the same warning coloration.
• Monarch and Viceroy butterflies have similar colors to warn predators of their unpleasant taste.

Explore predator-prey dynamics, where predators capture and consume prey. Predators can be carnivores or herbivores. Prey organisms develop adaptations for survival. Predation is a strong selective force.