19.4: Predation

Question 1

When does predation occur

Answer 1

When one organism is consumed by another

Question 2

Why is it unlikely that in a predator-prey situation prey will become extinct

Answer 2

Because often in an ecosystem the land that the prey resides in is vast, therefore they can hide and survive

Question 3

Effect of predator-prey relationships on population size

Answer 3

1. Predator eats prey, reducing prey population. Predator population increases
2. With fewer prey, the predators begin to experience interspecific/intrapsecific competition for the remaining prey
3. The predator population is reduced as some individuals are unable to obtain sufficient prey for survival
4. With fewer predators left, the prey excel and survive - they reproduce and their population increases
5. More prey = more food = more predators survive = eat prey = prey reduce, predator population increases. The cycle continues