7) Compare and contrast a predator\'s numerical response and functional response

Question

7) Compare and contrast a predator's numerical response and functional response. (Ch. 14) 8) Explain the causes of an evolutionary arms race between consumers and the species that they consume. (Ch. 14) 9) If one species provides a habitat as part of a mutualistic relationship, what is the probable effect on the abundance and distribution of the other species? (Ch. 17) 10) Explain how ants and acacia trees fulfill the definition of a mutualistic relationship. (Ch. 17) 11) If cleaner fish consume both parasites and scales from larger fish, what would determine whether the interaction is best categorized as mutualism or parasitism? (Ch. 17) 12) What might prevent a species in a mutualism from reaping the benefits from a partner without providing a benefit in return? (Ch. 17)

Explanation / Answer

Answer-7:

1. PREDATOR'S NUMERICAL RESPONSE- This response occurs when the number of predators are more than the number of preys. This has two mechanisms- (i) Predators gets attracted to the aggregation of the preys, and, (ii) Predators tend to increase their reproduction when the preys are plentifully. This response is based on the assumption that the predators increase their reproduction rate in response to the number of preys present. This means, reproduction rate of predators is directly propotional to the amount of prey. Attraction of predators in response to the aggregated preys is called Aggregation response. Aggregation response is important as this tend to increase the stability of spatial distribution of prey-predator in the ecological system.

2. PREDATOR'S FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE- This type of response is based on the behavioural ecology of a predator. This depends of 2 activites performed by a predator: (i) Searching for its prey, and, (ii) Handling of its prey by means of killing, or chasing, or eating. There are three major types of functional responses-

There is a linear increase in prey consumption until predator feels satiety. After satiety there is no change in the prey consumption.

This is rare in nature.

As the amount of prey decreases, predator puts lots of efforts in search of preysand tend to kills them at twice the rate. However, when prey density increases, consumption rates affects the handling time.

This is common in nature.

There is sigmoidal increase in the prey consumption as the prey density increases.

This is common in nature.

Type-1 Type-2 Type-3

There is a linear increase in prey consumption until predator feels satiety. After satiety there is no change in the prey consumption.

This is rare in nature.

As the amount of prey decreases, predator puts lots of efforts in search of preysand tend to kills them at twice the rate. However, when prey density increases, consumption rates affects the handling time.

This is common in nature.

There is sigmoidal increase in the prey consumption as the prey density increases.

This is common in nature.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 7
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.