24.3 predator-prey relationships

Question 1

what is predation

Answer 1

organism (predator) kills and eats another organism (prey)

Question 2

what is the pattern of predator-prey relationships

Answer 2

1. increase in prey population = more food for predators = predator population increases
2. increase in predator population = more prey eaten = prey population decreases (death rate>birth rate)
3. reduced prey population can’t support predators = intraspecific competition = predator population decreases
4. reduced predator population = less prey killed = prey population increases

Question 3

what else can causes fluctuations in numbers

Answer 3

• availability of food plants of the prey
• other predators
• seasonal changes in abiotic factors