Anti-predator adaptation
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Anti-predator adaptation refers to mechanisms developed over time through evolution, assisting prey organisms in their constant struggle against predators. Throughout the animal kingdom, adaptations have evolved for every stage of this struggle in order to maximize prey survival.
A class of anti-predator adaptations is predator deterrence, which can be divided into two major categories: morphological and behavioral defenses. Both of these types of defenses have evolved through natural selection because they increase the fitness of the prey. The increase of fitness leads to a better reproductive success of the individual possessing the favorable trait, and thus results in the persistence of the trait in the population over time.
Morphological defenses involve structural adaptations such as horns, spikes, stingers, claws, fangs and toxins. Some morphological defenses utilize aspects of the prey's appearance to avoid detection. These strategies include camouflage and mimicry.
Behavioral defenses involve acts performed by the prey to avoid predation. These defenses include actions such as pursuit deterrent signals, nocturnality, and group living.
