Predator Prey Adaptations: Quiz and Flashcards

What is the probability of an individual being able to detect the bitter taste of PTC in the sampled population?

What is the term for the group of individuals of the same species occupying a specific area at a given time?

What is the type of competition that occurs between individuals of the same species?

What is the principle that states that no two species can occupy the same niche without one being reduced in ecological numbers or eliminated?

What is the term for the interactions between organisms of the same species?

What is the reason why parents can often be in competition with their offspring?

What is the term for the competition between individuals of different species?

What is the term for all the populations in a specific area and their interactions with each other and the environment?

What is the term for the struggle for existence among individuals of the same species or different species?

What is the concept that explains why no two species can have the same niche?

Population Interactions

A population is a group of individuals of the same species occupying the same area at a given time.
A community is all the populations in a specific area, including both biotic and abiotic factors.
An ecosystem is a community and its environment.

Types of Competition

Intraspecific competition: interactions between organisms of the same species.
Interspecific competition: interactions between organisms of different species.

Interspecific Competition

Results in the decline of the population size of the weaker competitor.
Can cause behavioral changes, migration, or extinction.
Types of interspecific competition include:
- Producer-consumer relationships, which drive primary natural selection.
- Predator-prey relationships, which control the population of both species.

Predator-Prey Relationships

Predators are selecting agents on prey populations, removing unsuccessful alleles and improving the quality of the gene pool.
Defense mechanisms include adaptations, camouflage, protective coloration, and mimicry.

Symbiotic Relationships

Meaning: living together in close contact.
3 types:
- Parasitism: one organism benefits, the other is harmed.
- Mutualism: both organisms benefit.
- Commensalism: one species benefits, the other is unaffected.

Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Parasitism: humans and Dracunculus, mistletoe on oak trees.
Mutualism: bacteria in the large intestine, cowbirds.
Commensalism: remora fish and sharks.

Impact of Symbiotic Relationships

Can negatively impact biodiversity.
Can cause species extinction, soil erosion, and human or animal suffering.
Can reduce productivity in forestry, agricultural, and fishing sectors.
Control and management costs can be significant.

Gaensel's Principle

States that no two species can occupy the same niche without one being reduced in ecological numbers or eliminated.

Test your understanding of the predator-prey dynamic, including how predators select for certain traits in prey populations and the various defense mechanisms that prey have evolved to counter predation. From adaptations like bitter taste and thorns, to camouflage and mimicry, this quiz covers it all.