Question

Define what is meant by the prey gap in Mesolithic Ireland, and how the apparent anomaly can be explained.

Answer 1

Prey gap is nothing but the interpretation in the food chain in which the predators will be focussing on particular species for their prey leaving other sources of consumers on stock or would not have focussed much leaving them to survive longer which have eventually lead to the imbalance of the eco-cycle. This will lead to the extinction of some consumers and the survival of others which will have a complete impact on the producers too. For example, if the deer is focussed more on leaving the pigs behind, then there would be an abnormal growth of grasses and shrubs and extinction of the ants and other species which pig would consume. This is what called a prey gap.

Prey gap in Ireland during the Mesolithic period is somewhat specific as it had lead to the extinction of other species. For instance, the Wooden Mice had been recorded since the Mesolithic period and had its chain of survival in 1983 period, but considering the Irish stoats which were recorded during that period were extinct in the present period.