Question

In a population of predators and prey, it was seen that when the prey population was numerically high, the predator population consumed more and more prey. This is because the predator population ______.

Options

• can digest any quantity of food

• responds functionally

• responds numerically

• is a voracious feeder

Answer 1

In a population of predators and prey, it was seen that when the prey population was numerically high, the predator population consumed more and more prey. This is because the predator population responds functionally.

Explanation:

The functional response refers to the change in the rate of prey consumption by predators as prey density varies. When prey is abundant, predators consume more prey. This is different from numerical response, which is a change in predator population size. Hence, the functional response is the main reason for more consumption when the prey population is high.