Predatismor predation is ecological relationship where one organism kills another to feed. The organism that kills and feeds on the other is called predator, and the organism that serves as food is called prey.Both prey and predator have adaptations related to this interaction. While the prey presents adaptations that favor the escape, for example, the predator presents characteristics that allow greater efficiency in capturing the prey.
Read more: Great white shark – a great predator of the ocean!
What is Predatism?
Predatism is an ecological relationship that occurs between individuals of species different, in which one organism kills and feeds on another. Isinterspecific ecological relationship disharmonious, since it involves organisms of different species and has a beneficial effect for one of those involved, causing harm to the other. The organism that kills the individual of the other species is called a predator, and the organism that serves as food is called a prey.
Predator and prey adaptations
Predators have adaptations that guarantee them greater efficiency in capturing their food, while prey have adaptations that help them escape predators. Among the adaptations observed in the first group, we can mention Sharp teeth, great strength and ability to reach high speeds.
An example of a predator with excellent adaptations is the owl. This animal has a eyesight that allows you to see well both during the day and at night, an efficient hearing and a silent flight, which allows the approach without the prey noticing. In addition, owls have claws and a powerful beak, which help in capturing and killing prey.
It is noteworthy, however, that it is not just predators that have adaptations. Prey also have a number of characteristics and abilities that prevent predation. Some species have, for example, exoskeleton tough, strong carapace, ability to camouflage in the environment, warning coloring, capacity of mimic toxic prey, and ability to build shelters and burrows.
Examples of Predatism
There are several known examples of predation. See some of them:
Lion feeding on a zebra.
shark fed on a seal.
Snake feeding on a mouse;
Crocodile feeding on a wildebeest;
Orca feeding on fish.
Read more: Food chain and web - concepts related to food relationships between living beings
Importance of Predatism
Many people believe that predatory negatively impacts the environment, since individuals of a species are killed during the interaction. However, predation is important for the balance of a community. Without predators, a given population could grow exaggeratedly, causing competition among its members (intraspecific competition).
In addition, too large a population could cause harm and even exclude other populations. Imagine, for example, a population of herbivorous animals no predators. Its exaggerated increase could cause a strong reduction in the number of plants, increasing intraspecific competition and harming other herbivorous species. Predation is therefore fundamental for population control.
What is the difference between predation and herbivory?
When we talk about predatism, we are referring to an ecological relationship in which an organism captures and kills another to feed on. When the organism that serves as food for another is a vegetable, we say that the established relationship is the herbivory. Grass-eating zebras, for example, are herbivory and are called herbivorous animals.
What is the difference between predation and parasitism?
O parasitism it is an ecological relationship that resembles predation, as one organism takes its food from another. However, in parasitism, the parasite rarely causes the death of theit's yours host. In addition, it is observed that, generally, the parasite and the host remain associated for a long time, this period in which the host is weakened and harmed by the presence of the parasite.
An example of a parasitism relationship is between the tapeworm and the human being. The tapeworm is responsible for causing the taeniasis, a disease that triggers symptoms such as weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation.
Exercise on Predatism
Now that you've learned a little more about predatory, let's test your knowledge. Read the question carefully and answer:
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About predatory, check the incorrect alternative: a) When a lion captures, kills and feeds on a zebra, we see an example of predation. b) Predatism is an intraspecific relationship. c) Predatism is an inharmonious relationship. d) Predatism involves organisms of different species. While one is considered predator, the other is prey. e) Predators influence the size of a prey population. |
Reply: The only incorrect statement in this question is the letter b. Predatism is an interspecific relationship, as it involves individuals of different species. When an organism kills and feeds on another of the same species, we have a case of cannibalism.
