Predators and prey are often considered to be locked in an evolutionary arms race in which...

Predators and prey are often considered to be locked in an evolutionary arms race in which the prey are always one step ahead of the predators. Explain why prey should typically evolve more quickly than predators. You should provide at least 3 reasons with a brief explanation.

Expert Solution

Predator and prey co evolve with each other as they both are major part of each other's environment and habitat. Predator selectively kill and eat prey and in return to avoid being killed the prey develope antipredator adaptations such as camouflage, warning coloration, mimicry, faster speed to run for their life, poison and toxins, defensive spines and alot more.

The predators and prey both are in a race in which adaptation and counteradaptions takes place continously .It is also called as positive feedback mechanism.The predators and prey evolve togather. The predators evolve to better survive by feeding upon the prey community . Whereas the prey evolve to avoid being eaten .

1:- Prey are the major part of predators environment, If the prey evolve better adaptation faster then the predators will fail to attack and feed upon the prey. This ultimately lowers the predator population.

2:-Evolving and avoiding the predators attack will ensure the existance of the prey species in the nature. More life-span:more number of offspring: This will lead to larger population size of the prey.

3:- By avoiding the predator attacks by the adaptation like toxins, chemicals, spikes and poison the prey can now go for foraging without the fear of being killed . They can better search for food, mates without being killed and attacked by the predators. This will significantly increase their fitness.

4:-Antipredator adaptation of prey avoids the risk of extinction of prey community.

gladiator answered 2 years ago

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