Predator & Prey Relationships
Predation is the consumption of one organism by another organism, and the organism that feeds on the alive prey is considered the predator. There are different types of predators: true predators, which kill their prey immediately after attacking them, and grazers and parasites, which only consume specific parts of their prey (18). Listed below are examples of predator and prey relationships that exist in the Manuel Antonio National Park ecosystem.
In the two images above, the squirrel monkey is the prey (29), and the jaguar is the predator (30).
Squirrel Monkeys and Jungle Cats:
In this predator-prey relationship, the squirrel monkey is the prey and the jungle cats are the predators. Ocelots and jaguars are both nocturnal, so they usually hunt at dusk for the squirrel monkeys. However, it is difficult for the squirrel monkeys to be caught by their predators because they spend most of their time in the trees. The ocelots and jaguars usually do their hunting on the ground instead of up in the canopy with the squirrel monkeys. |
In the two images above, the two-toed sloth is the prey (31), and the jaguar is the predator (32).
Two-Toed Sloths and Jungle Cats:
In this predator-prey relationship, the two-toed sloth is the prey and jaguars and ocelots are the predators. As previously stated in the biotic factors section of this website, algae grows on the coat of the two-toed sloth. The algae that grows on the sloth's coat gives the sloth a greenish appearance, which allows the sloth to blend in to its surroundings and avoid the jungle cats (8). If the sloth were not able to blend in with the colors of the rainforest, the sloth would not be able to escape the fast speeds of their true predators especially since they are the slowest mammal to exist. |
Role of Predation in Population Control
Predation keeps each population in the ecosystem in check. For instance, if the predators were to be removed from a population, then the population of the prey would increase and become more abundant in the ecosystem. Without predators, the prey would be able to survive; however, that particular species would be too abundant in the community and a competition for resources would occur. This would ultimately result in a decrease of the population of prey because of the limited resources and the growing population of the surviving prey.
Cecropia Ants on Cecropia Plants:
In this case, the predator would be the Cecropia ants (or Aztec ants), and the prey would be the herbivorous insects. Cecropia ants live on the cecropia leaves of cecropia trees and have a mutualistic relationship. The ants attack and eat the small herbivorous insects that try to invade the cecropia tree, while the cecropia tree continues to provide the ants with shelter and protection (19). If the ants, which are the predators, were to be removed from the ecosystem, then the population of the small herbivorous insects would increase in abundance and have the ability to invade the cecropia tree. Cecropia plants would be able to survive without the ants, but their survival and reproduction rate would not be as high without the presence of the ants (19). |
Capuchin Monkey and Grasshopper:
In this example of the role of predation in population control, the predator is the white-faced monkey, or capuchin monkey, and the prey would be the red-winged grasshopper. Capuchin monkeys are considered omnivores since they eat mostly insects, fruits or even the occasional larger animal (21). If the population of capuchin monkeys were to increase one year because of the removal of their own predator (the jaguar), then the population of red-winged grasshoppers would significantly decrease and become closer to endangerment. |