Foiling predators

Aims To explain why vertebrate herbivores may feed in large groups or herds To explain why vertebrate herbivores may feed in large groups or herds To recognise strategies that vertebrate herbivores have to reduce predation To recognise strategies that vertebrate herbivores have to reduce predation

Which animals do these collective nouns belong to? Eg Flock of... Eg Flock of... Herd Herd Shoal Shoal Pride Pride Troop Troop Tower Tower Smack Smack Mischief Mischief Sheep Sheep Antelope Antelope Fish Fish Lions Lions Baboons Baboons Giraffes Giraffes Jellyfish Jellyfish Mice Mice

Your turn to find out… How do herbivores avoid carnivores? How do herbivores avoid carnivores? Why don’t zebras run away at the first sign of a predator? Why don’t zebras run away at the first sign of a predator? How do herds operate? How do herds operate? Which animals control the herd? Which animals control the herd? Is there a hierarchy within the herd? Is there a hierarchy within the herd? Which individuals will get killed, and how does this help the herd to survive? Which individuals will get killed, and how does this help the herd to survive? What are the advantages and disadvantages of group behaviour? What are the advantages and disadvantages of group behaviour?

Why are animals found in groups? Protection in numbers Protection in numbers Zebra’s stripes dazzle and confuse predators Zebra’s stripes dazzle and confuse predators Zebras at the edge of the herd are caught, the rest are safe Zebras at the edge of the herd are caught, the rest are safe

Why are animals found in large groups? Many pairs of eyes are better for looking out for predators than one pair Many pairs of eyes are better for looking out for predators than one pair More time can be spent on feeding rather than on looking around More time can be spent on feeding rather than on looking around

An evolutionary strategy Individuals which ‘herd’ are more likely to survive, so this trait is passed on to the next generation Individuals which ‘herd’ are more likely to survive, so this trait is passed on to the next generation

Is there safety in numbers?

Look at the following pictures of prey. What strategies do they employ to deter predators?

Answers Moth – pattern to look like eyes Moth – pattern to look like eyes Fly – yellow and black stripes to look like a wasp/bee Fly – yellow and black stripes to look like a wasp/bee Stick insect – camouflage Stick insect – camouflage Rabbit – eyes positioned for 360 degree vision Rabbit – eyes positioned for 360 degree vision Antelope – long legs to run fast and horns Antelope – long legs to run fast and horns Skunk – smelly! Skunk – smelly!