Part 5 – Population Interactions: Predation

Q1.

Predation is an interaction where:
a) Both species benefit
b) One benefits, other is harmed
c) Both are harmed
d) Neither benefits

Answer: b) One benefits, other is harmed

Explanation:

(a) Mutualism.
(b) Correct → Predator benefits, prey harmed.
(c) Competition.
(d) Neutralism.

Q2.

Predation is important ecologically because it:
a) Maintains species diversity
b) Checks overpopulation
c) Controls prey populations
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:
Predation stabilizes ecosystems by preventing dominance of any single species.

Q3.

Which of the following is a classic example of predator–prey oscillation?
a) Tiger–deer
b) Lynx–snowshoe hare
c) Lion–zebra
d) Owl–mouse

Answer: b) Lynx–snowshoe hare

Explanation:

(a, c, d) True interactions but not long-term studied oscillations.
(b) Correct → Well-documented predator-prey cycle.

Q4.

In predator–prey population curves, prey usually:
a) Increase after predator increases
b) Decrease before predator increases
c) Remain stable
d) Crash permanently

Answer: b) Decrease before predator increases

Explanation:
Predator numbers rise after prey availability increases, leading to prey decline.

Q5.

Predators help in natural selection by:
a) Killing the weakest prey
b) Killing all prey
c) Reducing biodiversity
d) Eliminating only old individuals

Answer: a) Killing the weakest prey

Explanation:
Predators eliminate unfit individuals → “survival of the fittest.”

Q6.

A tiger killing a deer is an example of:
a) Predation
b) Competition
c) Commensalism
d) Parasitism

Answer: a) Predation

Explanation:
Classic predator-prey interaction.

Q7.

Which adaptation helps prey avoid predation?
a) Camouflage
b) Mimicry
c) Chemical defense
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:
Prey use all these strategies to escape predators.

Q8.

A non-poisonous snake resembling a poisonous snake is an example of:
a) Batesian mimicry
b) Müllerian mimicry
c) Camouflage
d) Parasitism

Answer: a) Batesian mimicry

Explanation:

Batesian = harmless species mimics harmful one.
Müllerian = harmful species resemble each other.

Q9.

Bright coloration in frogs and butterflies often warns predators of:
a) Camouflage
b) Venom or toxicity
c) Weakness
d) Speed

Answer: b) Venom or toxicity

Explanation:
This is “warning coloration” (aposematism).

Q10.

In prickly pear cactus introduced into Australia, which predator controlled its spread?
a) Goat
b) Cactoblastis caterpillar
c) Rabbit
d) Termite

Answer: b) Cactoblastis caterpillar

Explanation:
This insect was introduced to control invasive cactus in Australia.

Q11.

Predation differs from parasitism because:
a) Predator usually kills prey immediately
b) Predator is always larger
c) Predator lives inside prey
d) Predator always benefits host

Answer: a) Predator usually kills prey immediately

Explanation:
Parasites harm but rarely kill immediately; predators usually kill prey.

Q12.

Which type of control was used in Australia against cactus?
a) Chemical control
b) Biological control using predator
c) Physical removal
d) Genetic modification

Answer: b) Biological control using predator

Explanation:
Predators (cactoblastis moth) used to reduce cactus population.

Q13.

Which of the following is NOT an anti-predator adaptation?
a) Spines in cactus
b) Venom in snakes
c) Warning coloration in frogs
d) Reduced reproduction rate

Answer: d) Reduced reproduction rate

Explanation:
High reproduction helps prey survival, not reduced rates.

Q14.

Which of the following is a keystone predator?
a) Starfish (Pisaster)
b) Rabbit
c) Goat
d) Pigeon

Answer: a) Starfish (Pisaster)

Explanation:
Pisaster maintains biodiversity in rocky intertidal zones by preying on dominant mussels.

Q15.

Which phenomenon is observed when predator removal leads to prey overpopulation and ecosystem imbalance?
a) Predator–prey oscillation
b) Trophic cascade
c) Competition release
d) Neutralism

Answer: b) Trophic cascade

Explanation:
Trophic cascade = chain reaction through food web after predator removal.

Q16.

When insects evolve resistance to pesticides, this is comparable to:
a) Predator–prey coevolution
b) Commensalism
c) Mutualism
d) Neutralism

Answer: a) Predator–prey coevolution

Explanation:
Pesticide = predator, insects adapt = prey coevolution.

Q17.

Which prey defense is seen in lizards?
a) Tail autotomy (self-cutting)
b) Venom secretion
c) Camouflage
d) Both a and c

Answer: d) Both a and c

Explanation:
Lizards detach tails and use camouflage against predators.

Q18.

Predation is essential for ecosystem stability because:
a) It eliminates all herbivores
b) It balances populations
c) It prevents competition
d) It increases prey fitness only

Answer: b) It balances populations

Explanation:
Predation prevents unchecked prey growth and maintains balance.

Q19.

Which predator controls rabbit population in Australia?
a) Fox
b) Myxoma virus (biological agent)
c) Kangaroo
d) Cat

Answer: b) Myxoma virus (biological agent)

Explanation:
Introduced myxoma virus reduced rabbit population drastically.

Q20.

Predators can increase biodiversity by:
a) Removing dominant prey species
b) Helping weaker species survive
c) Preventing monoculture dominance
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:
Predators reduce dominance and allow multiple species to coexist.

Q21.

Which of the following is an example of seed predation?
a) Squirrel eating nuts
b) Cow grazing grass
c) Caterpillar on leaves
d) Deer browsing twigs

Answer: a) Squirrel eating nuts

Explanation:
Seeds consumed → classic seed predation.

Q22.

Predator populations often lag behind prey populations because:
a) Predators are lazy
b) Predator reproduction depends on prey availability
c) Prey are stronger
d) Predators have longer lifespan

Answer: b) Predator reproduction depends on prey availability

Explanation:
Predator increase follows prey abundance.

Q23.

Which adaptation in plants prevents herbivory (predation)?
a) Alkaloids
b) Latex secretion
c) Spines and thorns
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation:
Plants use structural (thorns) and chemical defenses (alkaloids, latex).

Q24.

Which is NOT a predator–prey interaction?
a) Lion–zebra
b) Deer–grass
c) Owl–rat
d) Tiger–deer

Answer: b) Deer–grass

Explanation:
Deer–grass = herbivory (a type of predation by some definitions, but NCERT treats predation as carnivory).

Q25.

The functional response of a predator describes:
a) How predator feeding rate changes with prey density
b) How prey reproduces faster than predator
c) Predator population growth over time
d) Prey’s defensive behavior

Answer: a) How predator feeding rate changes with prey density

Explanation:
Functional response = predator’s feeding behavior relative to prey availability.

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Part 5 – Population Interactions: Predation