Biology 3446B Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Keratin
22 Feb 2014
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Document Summary
The effects of predators on wildlife populations and the active management of predators if probably the most controversial topic in wildlife management. Predation is a powerful selective force which has shaped the behavior and morphology of prey species. We expect that any evolutionary change via natural selection in a pretty population would be followed by an adaptive change in the predator population and vice versa. Predation may also influence prey distribution and abundance and can alter population composition by selectively removing individuals on one sex or certain age classes or sick/inferior animals. Prey may be seasonally selected for and more susceptible to predation. Predators are successful in capturing genotypes of prey that are: less alert, less cryptically coloured, less quick, less fit for defence. Over generations, this selection shapes the characteristics of both prey and predator species. Genetic combinations not well adapted are eliminated early. Prey and predators are managed in a genetic sense.
