Question

Define predation. How predation is important in maintaining species diversity. Explain different defenses/ adaptations which have been evolved in prey species to protect themselves from predators. No copied answers from google plz

Answer 1

Answer:

Interspecific interaction where only one species (predator) benefits and the interaction is detrimental to the other  species (prey) is called as predation.

(i) Role of predators in maintaining species diversity : Predators play important roles in maintaining  species diversity in a community by reducing the intensity of competition among competing prey species.

For example, in the rocky intertidal communities of the American pacific coast the starfish Pisaster is  an important predator. When all the starfish (Pisaster) were removed, experimentally, from an enclosed  intertidal area more than 10 species of invertebrates became extinct within a year, because of interspecific  competition.  

(ii) Evolution of various defenses (adaptations) in prey : Prey species have evolved various defenses to  minimize/challenge the impact of predation. Following are some examples:

• Cryptic-colour (camouflage) development occurs in some species of insects and frogs to avoid their  easy detection by the predator.

• Some prey species like monarch butterfly are poisonous and therefore avoided by the predators.

• Plants evolved an astonishing variety of morphological and chemical defenses against their herbivore  predators. Presence of thorns (e.g. Acacia) as well as production and storage of highly toxic/  poisonous chemicals like cardiac glycosides (Calotropis) are some of the protective/defense  mechanisms which plants have evolved.