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.

Solutions

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 1 year ago

Next > < Previous

Related Solutions

27) a) We considered the question of whether predators control population numbers of their prey or...

27) a) We considered the question of whether predators control population numbers of their prey or not. Briefly describe (1 sentence) two situations in which predators would not be the primary factor regulating numbers of their prey in ecological time (2.5 points each). b) Name or briefly describe one of the 5 types of natural selection that we studied. For the type of selection that you identify, briefly explain (a word, a few words, or a brief sentence) whether or...

What is the difference between the population growth of the predators without prey (N0=0), versus prey...

What is the difference between the population growth of the predators without prey (N0=0), versus prey growth without predators (P0=0)?

Introduction: Case Study: Surgical Robot Arms Race In the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, an arms race continues...

Introduction: Case Study: Surgical Robot Arms Race In the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, an arms race continues between hospitals to gather the most modern technology available to use on their patients – currently this arms race’s primary device of choice – robotic surgical systems. Why robotic surgical systems? These systems in theory allow surgeons to be more precise in performing complex surgical procedures on patients. With greater precision comes a greater chance of successfully healing the patient as well as reducing...

Describe the role of natural selection in shaping characteristics of prey species and other predators. How...

Describe the role of natural selection in shaping characteristics of prey species and other predators. How does the evolution of one relate to other?

Lab-based studies of predators and prey can be useful, but eventually one or the other usually...

Lab-based studies of predators and prey can be useful, but eventually one or the other usually goes extinct. What are some of the other factors that are likely to affect predators and prey in the wild? Could those be modeled or added to lab studies? Why or why not? How were biologists like Gause and Huffaker able to extend the cycles of predator prey dynamics in the lab?

Studies of mimicry in predator-prey systems often use plastic/clay replicas of prey species to determine if...

Studies of mimicry in predator-prey systems often use plastic/clay replicas of prey species to determine if predators preferentially avoid the mimic and model, just the model, just the mimic, or even additional species not thought to be the model or the mimic. Replicas are placed for days to weeks in habitats thought to contain predators, models, and mimic, and researchers then count the number of “wounds” or missing replicas as an indication of whether models and mimics are equally avoided/attacked....

Why can race be considered a reality?

a. If the “medical arms race hypothesis” is true, then would we expect to see higher...

a. If the “medical arms race hypothesis” is true, then would we expect to see higher quality hospitals in urban or rural areas? Why? b. If the “medical arms race hypothesis” is true, then would we expect to see higher quality hospitals in areas with high rates of insurance coverage or areas with low rates of insurance coverage? Why? c. Give an example for why a “medical arms race” could be bad for (i) the economy, and (ii) patient health....

2. Which of the generic architectures considered in lectures is most susceptible to race conditions. Explain...

2. Which of the generic architectures considered in lectures is most susceptible to race conditions. Explain your reasoning -- why do you believe that your chosen architecture is most susceptible?

The outstretched hands and arms of a figure skater preparing for a spin can be considered...

The outstretched hands and arms of a figure skater preparing for a spin can be considered a slender rod pivoting about an axis through its center. When the skater's hands and arms are brought in and wrapped around his body to execute the spin, the hands and arms can be considered a thin-walled hollow cylinder. His hands and arms have a combined mass of 7.5 kg. When outstretched, they span 1.8 m; when wrapped, they form a cylinder of radius...

Subjects