1. Predation versus Parasitism
Is predation mostly a matter of perspective? Is parasitism an attitude? Is a
vegetarian a predator? A parasite? Neither? Is a meat-eater a predator, or a
parasite? Or neither? Or both? What are the differences between parasites and
predators?
We all hold what we think are good personal perceptions of the meanings of these words. When asked, we are able to provide what we believe are excellent examples of predators, prey, and parasites. Most biologists agree that the relationship between predators and their prey does not constitute an example of symbiosis. Most biologists also agree that the relationship between parasites and their hosts is an example of symbiosis.
Some biologists think that animals that eat the leaves of plants should be called parasites, and those animals that eat the seeds of plants should be called predators. This brings us back to our basic question: What are the differences between parasites and predators? What is your opinion on this? Click here to look at a Web address which may help you with your decision.
2. The relationships between a predator and its prey are often quite complex. In the following article you will find an excellent discussion of the behaviors of a predator and its prey. Decide for yourself which behaviors of the predator you think are the most effective in capturing food and list these. Also decide upon and list those behaviors that you believe to be the best defenses on the part of the prey. Briefly explain why you chose those particular behaviors. Which of the prey behaviors seems to you to be the most unusual? Using a search engine such as HotBot's modified search engine or the search engine of Alta Vista, find and list two more URLS that discuss these questions.
3. There has been controversy involving the relationship between humans (the prey) and wolves (the predator) that dates back through most of history. Much has been written, right into the present time about how wolves prey upon humans, killing them at every opportunity, even carrying off babies. There is a classic Russian painting, dating from the early 1800s, depicting a winter scene in which a sleigh pulled by four horses at top speed is being chased and overtaken by a pack of wolves. The men in the sleigh are shooting at the wolves, with apparently no effect, and the women are cowering on the floor, showing only their heads above the sides of the sleigh. The painting clearly indicates that the future of these people is not bright. What is the truth of the matter? Before going further, write your own opinion. Then, click here to discover another person's opinion. Although you are welcome, you need not read all of the chapters listed. Choose those that sound most interesting to you. Can you find two other Web addresses that put forth a different opinion?
Annotated list of URLs:
Predatory behavior of grizzly bears feeding on elk calves in Yellowstone National Park, 1986-88.
Alta Vista, another excellent search engine.