Problem 1
With the aid of examples, explain the feeding characteristics of true predators, grazers, parasites and parasitoids.
Problem 3
Discuss the various ways that plants may 'compensate' for the effects of herbivory.
Problem 4
Predation is 'bad' for the prey that get eaten. Explain why it may be good for those that do not get eaten.
Problem 5
Discuss the pros and cons, in energetic terms, of (i) being a generalist as opposed to a specialist predator, and (ii) being a sit-and-wait predator as opposed to an active forager.
Problem 6
In simple terms, explain why there is an underlying tendency for populations of predators and prey to cycle.
Problem 7
You have data that shows cycles in nature among interacting populations of a true predator, a grazer and a plant. Describe an experimental protocol to determine whether this is a grazer-plant cycle or a predator-grazer cycle.
