Ch. 14: predation and herbivory Flashcards
introduced species (exotic species/non-native species)
species introduced to a region of world where it has not historically existed
invasive species
introduced species spreads rapidly and has (-) effects on other species, human recreation or human economies
mesopredators
relatively small carnivores consume herbivores
top predators
predators that consume herbivores and mesopredators
Lotka-Volterra model
model of predator/prey interactions
- incorporates oscillations
- shows predator numbers lagging behind those of preys
Growth Rate of prey populations =
dN/dt = rN - cNP
Growth Rate of predator populations =
dP/dt = acNP - mP
stable population = rate of change =
= 0
equilibrium isocline (zero growth isocline)
population size of 1 species causes population of another species to be stable
joint equilibrium point
point at which equilibrium isoclines for predator and prey population cross
joint population trajectory
simultaneous trajectory of predator and prey populations
functional response
relationship b/w density of prey and individual predator’s rate of food consumption
search image
mental image that helps predator locate and capture food
numerical response
change in # of predators through population growth or movement due to immigration or emigration
crypsis
camouflage that either allows individual to match environment or break up outline of an individual to blend in better w/ background environment
warning coloration (aposematism)
strategy in which distastefulness evolves in association w/ very conspicuous colors and patterns
Batesian mimicry
palatable species evolve warning coloration that resembles unpalatable species
- (unharmful) prey gains protection by resembling unpalatable/defended species
Mullerian mimicry
- 2+ species w/ similar effective defenses
- mutual/co-evolution of warning signs (red/yellow = danger)
- several unpalatable species evolve a similar pattern of warning coloration
community ecology
biological community w/ interacting species w/in defined area
- community lies b/w spatial scale
species interactions and (+)/(-)
competition (-/-), consumption (+/-), parasitism (+/-), mutualism (+/+), commensalism (+/N)
grazers and browsers
predator/prey relationship: herbivores
- grazers = eat grass (aquatic = algae)
- browsers = eat branches, twigs, shrubs, etc.
parasitoid
lays eggs and babies kill the host
- can limit abundance of prey
predators
- acquire energy by killing prey
- predators or groups of predators are larger than prey
parasites usually do not…
kill their prey
- but they can make you infertile or harm host