Chapter 20Community

Ecology

Adaptations of Predators Spiders Sticky Web Wolf’s teeth- made for cutting flesh The speed of a cheetah

Natural selection favors the evolution of predator adaptations for finding, capturing, and consuming prey.

This angler fish lives so deep down in the ocean that no light can penetrate the depths.

To attract prey it has adapted the structure above its mouth to glow and wiggle like a worm.

When prey get close enough the sharp, needlelike teeth are adapted grasp and kill the prey

Adaptations of Animal Prey

Skunks spray a pungent odor.

Porcupines have defensive quills.

Adaptations of Animal Prey Deceptive Markings- one species closely

resembles another species.

Adaptations of Animal Prey Camouflage- imitate objects to blend in

with its environment

Adaptation of Plant Prey Physical Defenses Thorns, spines, sticky hairs, tough

leaves

Adaptation of Plant Prey Chemical Defense- Poisons or bad

tasting Ex: Poison Ivy

Symbiosis… Close, long-term relationship between

two organisms. 3 examples include: Parasitism Mutualism Commensalism

Parasitism… Similar to predation in that one organisms

called a host, is harmed and the other organism, called the parasite, benefits.

Parasite feeds on the host for a long time. Parasitism usually doesn’t result in

immediate death of the host. Ex: Endoparasites- heartworms, tapeworms Ex: Ectoparasites- Lice, leeches, fleas, ticks

Mutualism… Two species that derive some benefit

from each other. Ex: Pollination

Commensalism… Interaction in which one species benefits

and other is not affected. Ex: Species that scavenge for leftover

food Ex: Cattle Egrets, Sucker Fish

Defenses we have against Parasites… Skin Tears Saliva Mucus Cells of our immune system that attack

parasites