Predation: Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes After studying this topic, you should be able to: Give examples of specialist predators and their mode of feeding. Describe the role of neurotransmitters, how naturally occurring molecules interfere with their activity and the medical benefits of understanding these processes. Discuss ways in which prey types are identified amongst existing and extinct species. Explain the implications of predator–prey interactions for changes in the abundance of other components of the food web. Discuss the coevolution of predators, prey and parasites. Formulate a hypothesis or null hypothesis. Interpret and apply correlation tests. Identify and evaluate the main components of a scientific report. Interpret phylogenies with age estimates. Describe how power-law relationships arise in biology, especially with reference to body size.