Predator and Prey Interactions

Question 1

Define the term ‘boom’ and ‘bust’.

Answer 1

When a population regularly increases (boom) or decreases (bust) in size

Question 2

Define the phrase ‘carrying capacity equilibrium’.

Answer 2

The number of animals that can be supported in a given area without degrading the environment for present and future generations

Question 3

How can carrying capacities be altered?

Answer 3

They can increase e.g. by food availability
They can decrease e.g. by weather, climate change

Question 4

Why are predator and prey relationships essential?

Answer 4

For preserving the balance among different animal species

Question 5

What are the positives of predator and prey relationships?

Answer 5

Predators prevent prey driving each other to extinction
Prey species keep predators alive

Question 6

What are the negatives of predator and prey relationships?

Answer 6

A predator could over predate on a prey species causing them to become extinct
If a prey evolves too well, the predator may no longer be able to hunt them