COMMUNITY ECOLOGY II PP 403-404
PREDATION (+/-) one species eats another species predator: eater and prey: eaten Types: carnivores, herbivores
cyclic in nature – ↑ in prey leads to ↑ in predators (vice versa) PREY: SEA URCHINS PREDATOR: SEA STARS cyclic in nature – ↑ in prey leads to ↑ in predators (vice versa) Adaptations in prey for defense against predators
RESPONSES TO PREDATION camouflage: Cryptic coloration disguises an animal so it’s less visible to predators or prey
warning coloration: intended not to camouflage an organism but to make it more noticeable - Bright coloring, scent, or taste to warn potential aggressors
mimicry: physical (or behavioral resemblance) of one species to another 1. natural selection of a second moth species favors moths who look like the bad tasting species (bright colors) 2. color patterns may be similar
moment of truth defenses: action by prey just before death that is unexpected by predator
alluring coloration: animals are colored so a predator's attention is drawn to a non-vital part of the prey's body