Final answer:
A paramecium may avoid a predator through movement or send chemical alarm signals, similar to fish. It uses its cilia for quick movement and has a pellicle for protection. However, if it fails to escape, it risks being consumed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a paramecium encounters a predator, its chances of survival can depend on various factors including its ability to detect danger and enact defense mechanisms. Paramecia have certain responses to threats, such as avoiding a predator or releasing chemical signals as alarm substances to communicate danger to other paramecia, akin to the way fish release alarm signals in the presence of a predator. Referring to the provided figures, while not directly related to predator interactions, it's noteworthy that Paramecium aurelia is better equipped to survive when in competition with Paramecium caudatum for the same resources, indicating that P. aurelia may also have competitive advantages in other survival scenarios, including evasion or competition with predators.
The ciliates, a group including Paramecium, are known for their ability to move by beating their cilia to escape predators. Paramecia also have a pellicle, which provides protection and contractile vacuoles for osmoregulation, helping them manage water balance and potentially aiding their immediate response to a threatening situation. However, ultimately, if a paramecium cannot escape or protect itself sufficiently, it may be consumed by the predator.