Lamar University: Herpetology: Final Lecture
Exam: Defense and Escape: Armacost
Amongst amphibians and reptiles, _______________________ is the greates
cause of mortality.
predation
Mortality via ________________ may occur at any life stage.
predation
Mortality via predation is less likely for mature adults of _________________-
bodied species.
large
Many individuals are lost to predation as _____________.
eggs
Explain the Mechanism of Evolutionary Arms Race:
-Prey evolve defense and escape mechanisms
-Predators evolve more effective means of prey detection and capture
Evolution of defense and escape mechanisms may represent trade-offs with other
aspects of the biology of a species, including:
-Reproduction
-Social Behavior
-Foraging
Explain Optimal escape theory:
animals should moderate their flight responses according to the level of risk represented
by a potential predator.
______________ risk is the probability of being captured and killed.
predation
__________________________ includes lost opportunity to engage in other
behaviors such as foraging or social interactions.
cost of escape
Optimal Escape Theory can be applied to:
-Flight initiation distance
-directness of approach
-emergence from refuge
________________ (solid line) is high when distance to predator is low.
risk of predation
_________________ (dashed line) is high when distance to predator is high
cost of escape
The point where the lines cross predicts the distance at which the individual
should ________________________.
, initiate flight
Cost of escape _______________ with distance to predator, because if the risk is
low, the fitness cost of escaping and giving up the opportunity to forage is high
increases
Predators must ___________________, _________________, and
____________________ prey.
identify, pursue, capture
Prey must __________________, ______________________, and
________________________.
avoid detection, flee if detected, avoid capture or escape
List ways prey escape detection:
-activity patterns
-cryptic coloration (camouflage)
-disruptive coloration
-escaping/misdirecting identification
-aposematic coloration
-mimicry
Explain one type of activity pattern a prey may use for escaping detection.
-Some amphibians and reptiles are nocturnal in order to avoid diurnal predators, such
as birds
Trade-offs of being nocturnal prey:
-Lower prey availability
-reduced performance due to lower body temps.
Describe cryptic coloration in prey:
color patterns that resemble that of their environment; most effective when combined
with immobility.
Trade-offs of immobility:
-lost opportunities for foraging or social interactions.
Define Crypsis:
the ability to avoid being detected, via activity patterns, camouflage, and other
mechanisms.
Cryptic color patterns correspond to the local _____________________.
microhabitat
Describe disruptive coloration in prey:
color patterns that break up the general outline of the body.
Types of Misdirecting Identification
-Aposematic coloration
-Mimicry
Define Aposematic coloration:
Exam: Defense and Escape: Armacost
Amongst amphibians and reptiles, _______________________ is the greates
cause of mortality.
predation
Mortality via ________________ may occur at any life stage.
predation
Mortality via predation is less likely for mature adults of _________________-
bodied species.
large
Many individuals are lost to predation as _____________.
eggs
Explain the Mechanism of Evolutionary Arms Race:
-Prey evolve defense and escape mechanisms
-Predators evolve more effective means of prey detection and capture
Evolution of defense and escape mechanisms may represent trade-offs with other
aspects of the biology of a species, including:
-Reproduction
-Social Behavior
-Foraging
Explain Optimal escape theory:
animals should moderate their flight responses according to the level of risk represented
by a potential predator.
______________ risk is the probability of being captured and killed.
predation
__________________________ includes lost opportunity to engage in other
behaviors such as foraging or social interactions.
cost of escape
Optimal Escape Theory can be applied to:
-Flight initiation distance
-directness of approach
-emergence from refuge
________________ (solid line) is high when distance to predator is low.
risk of predation
_________________ (dashed line) is high when distance to predator is high
cost of escape
The point where the lines cross predicts the distance at which the individual
should ________________________.
, initiate flight
Cost of escape _______________ with distance to predator, because if the risk is
low, the fitness cost of escaping and giving up the opportunity to forage is high
increases
Predators must ___________________, _________________, and
____________________ prey.
identify, pursue, capture
Prey must __________________, ______________________, and
________________________.
avoid detection, flee if detected, avoid capture or escape
List ways prey escape detection:
-activity patterns
-cryptic coloration (camouflage)
-disruptive coloration
-escaping/misdirecting identification
-aposematic coloration
-mimicry
Explain one type of activity pattern a prey may use for escaping detection.
-Some amphibians and reptiles are nocturnal in order to avoid diurnal predators, such
as birds
Trade-offs of being nocturnal prey:
-Lower prey availability
-reduced performance due to lower body temps.
Describe cryptic coloration in prey:
color patterns that resemble that of their environment; most effective when combined
with immobility.
Trade-offs of immobility:
-lost opportunities for foraging or social interactions.
Define Crypsis:
the ability to avoid being detected, via activity patterns, camouflage, and other
mechanisms.
Cryptic color patterns correspond to the local _____________________.
microhabitat
Describe disruptive coloration in prey:
color patterns that break up the general outline of the body.
Types of Misdirecting Identification
-Aposematic coloration
-Mimicry
Define Aposematic coloration:
