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Predator-Prey Adaptations: Evolutionary Strategies in Community Ecology

This chapter explores the fascinating adaptations of predators and their prey within community ecology. It highlights how natural selection drives the evolution of features such as the sticky webs of spiders, the sharp teeth of wolves, and the speed of cheetahs that optimize hunting efficiency. Prey species, in turn, develop defenses like skunk spray, porcupine quills, camouflage, and chemical defenses to survive. The chapter also discusses symbiotic relationships including parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism, unveiling the ecological dynamics that shape interactions in nature.

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Predator-Prey Adaptations: Evolutionary Strategies in Community Ecology

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  1. Chapter 20CommunityEcology

  2. Adaptations of Predators • Spiders Sticky Web • Wolf’s teeth- made for cutting flesh • The speed of a cheetah • Natural selection favors the evolution of predator adaptations for finding, capturing, and consuming prey.

  3. This angler fish lives so deep down in the ocean that no light can penetrate the depths. • To attract prey it has adapted the structure above its mouth to glow and wiggle like a worm. • When prey get close enough the sharp, needlelike teeth are adapted grasp and kill the prey

  4. Adaptations of Animal Prey • Skunks spray a pungent odor. • Porcupines have defensive quills.

  5. Adaptations of Animal Prey • Deceptive Markings- one species closely resembles another species.

  6. Adaptations of Animal Prey • Camouflage- imitate objects to blend in with its environment

  7. Adaptation of Plant Prey • Physical Defenses • Thorns, spines, sticky hairs, tough leaves

  8. Adaptation of Plant Prey • Chemical Defense- Poisons or bad tasting • Ex: Poison Ivy

  9. Symbiosis… • Close, long-term relationship between two organisms. • 3 examples include: • Parasitism • Mutualism • Commensalism

  10. Parasitism… • Similar to predation in that one organisms called a host, is harmed and the other organism, called the parasite, benefits. • Parasite feeds on the host for a long time. • Parasitism usually doesn’t result in immediate death of the host. • Ex: Endoparasites- heartworms, tapeworms • Ex: Ectoparasites- Lice, leeches, fleas, ticks

  11. Mutualism… • Two species that derive some benefit from each other. • Ex: Pollination

  12. Commensalism… • Interaction in which one species benefits and other is not affected. • Ex: Species that scavenge for leftover food • Ex: Cattle Egrets, Sucker Fish

  13. Defenses we have against Parasites… • Skin • Tears • Saliva • Mucus • Cells of our immune system that attack parasites

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