Question

How might a type 2 functional response prevent a predator from limiting the size of a large prey population?

-The large prey population competes with the predator population for the space and resources required by both species, resulting in a decrease in predator fitness.
-The predator's consumption rate increases linearly with the prey population density until the predator is satiated and can no longer control the growing prey population.
-Predators spend a significant amount of time learning how to locate and catch their prey, which results in the prey population growth rate outpacing the predator consumption rate.
-Predators are limited to a maximum consumption rate because of the time spent handling prey, leaving less time to hunt additional prey and decrease the large population.

Answer 1

Type 2 functional response refers to the saturation of predator consumption rate due to handling time, which can limit the predator's ability to control large prey populations. Defense adaptations in prey further hinder predation.

Step-by-step explanation:

A type 2 functional response in predators relates to how the rate at which they consume prey increases with prey density, but only up to a point where the predators become satiated. Once satiated, the predators' consumption rate levels off, meaning that as the prey population continues to grow, the predators can no longer increase their feeding rate to match the prey’s growth. This can happen because of the handling time, which includes capturing, subduing, and consuming prey, as well as digesting it. During this handling time, predators are unable to search for additional prey. If handling time is significant, then the predator's capacity to control a large prey population is limited, which could prevent the predators from limiting the size of the prey population.

Furthermore, prey populations may also have defensive adaptations, which can include behaviors or physical attributes that reduce predation. Natural selection can also play a role, where traits that make prey more elusive become more common over time. As prey become more effective at avoiding predation, the predators' ability to limit the prey population diminishes further.