Predator

Question 1

What are the four steps of the predator cycle that must be completed in succession?

Answer 1

1.Search/detect
2.Pursue
3.Attack/capture
4.Hand/process

Question 2

What are 4 ways that predators can avoid detection?

Answer 2

Camouflage
Disruptive coloration
Countershading
Mirroring

Question 3

Give an example of how discoloration can be used in predation.

Answer 3

Color patterns that blend with the eye to obscure it from a distance.

Question 4

Compare the two types of pursuit.

Answer 4

1. Cursorial: Actively searching. Prolonged locomotion.
2. Lurking: Ambushing. Burst locomotion.

Question 5

Compare the two types of cursorial predators.

Answer 5

1. Open water- built for speed and streamlining. (Tuna)
2. Near-shore/substrate- built for maneuverability and braking. (Bass body form)

Question 6

Name some techniques that lurking predators may use.

Answer 6

1. Fast start
2. Camouflage
3. Mimicry
4. Lures

Question 7

Give an example of mimicry

Answer 7

The sabretooth blenny mimics the appearance of the cleaner fish but takes a chunk of flesh instead of cleaning.

Question 8

What are some techniques for attack/capture?

Answer 8

Buccal expansion
Suction feeding (protrusible jaws)
Immobilization and incapacitation
Projectiles
Schooling countermeasures

Question 9

Give an example of predators using lures.

Answer 9

The angler fish has a whole body that will camouflage with the environment but has a lure that attracts fish.