Anti-Predator Behaviour

Question 1

Three individual defence strategies

Answer 1

• avoid detection = cryptic colouration and behaviour, colour change, polymorphism
• avoid capture = vigilance, speed, deflection markings, autonomy, startle mechanism
• resist handling = large size, armour such as shells and spines

Question 2

Group level strategies

Answer 2

• shared vigilance and alarm signalling
• dilution effect and confusion effect
• mobbing

Question 3

Define strategy

Answer 3

Set of adaptions coded by the fittest genes

Question 4

Advantages of polymorphism

Answer 4

• higher chance of blending in when background is variable
• lower chances of your predators learning what you look like
• creates moving target for co-adaption of predators

Question 5

Two types of mimicry

Answer 5

Mullerian = aposematic colouration. Mimicking another species or animal that is dangerous/poisonous but the animal is also poisonous

Batesian = false advertising. Mimicking another species or animal that is poisonous even though the animal itself is not harmful