Exam 14: Predation

What is the primary prediction of the basic Lotka-Volterra equations of predator-prey interactions? Is this prediction realistic? Does it fit with our observations of predators and prey in nature?

Describe several different strategies that a plant can employ to counteract herbivory before, during, and after it occurs. What are some of the costs associated with these defence mechanisms?

The net outcome of predator-prey interactions in the basic Lotka-Volterra models is that

Optimal foraging theory suggests that foraging for food should be much more important to an animal than other time constraints such as defence, avoiding predators, searching for mates, or caring for young.

A parasitoid usually kills its host.

One explanation for the shape of the type III functional response is that predators develop a search image for prey after they have encountered them.

A type ________ functional response describes the per capita rate of predation, which increases linearly with prey density.

The type of functional response has a strong influence on the ability of a predator to regulate a prey population, while the degree of numerical response has little effect.

The basic Lotka-Volterra equations that describe predator-prey interactions assume both a functional response and a numerical response of the predators to the prey.

What does the slope represent in a graph that plots prey population (Npᵣₑᵧ)against the per capita consumption rate of predation?

________ defences are not permanently present but, rather, are brought about by the presence or action of predators.

Explain how nonlethal effects of predators on prey can have important impacts on prey population dynamics.

In Richardson's ground squirrels, the sound used to warn kin directly, is the ________ sound.

If a predator encounters a different prey species than it was searching for, the predator will usually switch and pursue the new prey species.

Cryptic colouration is a strategy employed by both predators and prey.

Most grasses tolerate grazing and actually benefit from it.

Compare and contrast the role of jasmonic acid in plants and alarm calls in animals?

________ defences are fixed features of an organism.

The form of predation in which an animal predator consumes all or part of a plant is called ________.

A(n)________ is an organism that lives on or within another without killing the host.