Food Relationships

1. Predation, Scavenging, Symbiosis (3) Food Relationships

2. Predation • A predator is any consumer that KILLS AND EATS another living organism in order to obtain energy. The organism being eaten is called the PREY • Examples: Lions, Wolves, Eagles, Man

3. Examples of Predators • Pitcher plant • Prey-trapping mechanism that features a deep cavity filled with a ‘pitfall trap’ • Venus Fly trap • Catches and digests food stuffs • Insects trigger hairs that cause the mouth to slam shut when triggered • VENUS – from Roman god of love

4. Examples of Predators • Archer Fish • The Archerfish sprays a fine jet of water to knock an insect off a low-lying branch • Salamander • The salamander uses its long sticky tongue to capture insects

5. Scavenging • A SCAVENGER is any consumer (animal) that feeds on DEAD organisms • Examples: vultures, snails, crows, jackals, hyenas • A SAPROPHYTE lives on NONLIVING ORGANIC MATTER and breaks down matter such as dead plants, animals and feces for consumption. • Examples: Fungi, Molds, Bacteria

6. Example of Scavengers • Vultures • Bald head to keep the head clean while feeding • Possesses very strong stomach acid used to break down infected flesh and/or unbroken bones

7. Example of a Saprophyte • Earthworm • Body plan: A tube, digestive system and a slimy, muscular outer layer of skin • Feeds on detritus and decaying organic matter • Burrowing by worms is a form of natural aeration

8. Symbiosis • Two different kinds of organisms 'live together' in a relationship: • Mutualism • Commensalism • Parasitism NOT REAL!

9. Symbiosis: Mutualism (+/+ relationship) • The anemone's tentacles release a paralysis toxin that provides the Clownfish with protection from predators • The clownfish protects the anemone from Butterflyfish (consume anemones) Sea Anemones (tentacles) and Ocellaris Clownfish (Nemo) vs

10. Symbiosis: Commensalism(+ / N relationship) • Whales and Barnacles • During a barnacle's larval stage (youth) it attaches to baleen whales. • The barnacle benefits by finding a habitat with available nutrients, which would not be possible otherwise • The whale couldn't care less and is not affected in a positive or negative way

11. Symbiosis: Parasitism(+ / - relationship) • Head Lice • Feed on sebaceous secretions (sweat glands and pores) and blood • Lice obtain sustenance (food) • Humans/similar mammals are harmed through blood loss, exposure to disease and inconvenience

12. Word Bank: Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Saprophytism, Predation • The Nile Crocodile and the Plover • The Plover cleans the croc's teeth and prevents infection • This is an example of: Mutualism

13. Word Bank: Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Saprophytism, Predation • Certain luminescent bacteria living on the ‘lure’ of the anglerfish obtain nutrition after the fish has eaten. • In turn, the bacteria provide a lantern for ‘fishing’ • This is an example of Mutualism

14. Word Bank: Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Saprophytism, Predation • A mouse is eaten by a cat • This is an example of Predation

15. Word Bank: Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Saprophytism, Predation • Certain young clams attach themselves to the gills of fish. In a short time, each clam becomes surrounded by a capsule formed by the cells of the fish. The clams feed and grow by absorbing nutrients from the fish's body • This is an example of Commensalism

16. Word Bank: Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism, Saprophytism, Predation • Toadstools thrive on fallen (dead) logs • This is an example of Saprophytism