an estuary eellgrass habitat is dominated by small crustaceans whose population

Question

an estuary eellgrass habitat is dominated by small crustaceans whose population is able to grow at very rapid rates, mostly due to the ablity of these crustaceans to mature early and produce very large numbers of offsprung. However, anew preadator species has been accidentally introduced to the habitat. these predators do not use juvenile crustaceans as prey (they're too small), but are very efficient at consuming small adult crustaceans.

1) what theory would help to explain why the predators do not consume juvenile crustaceans? how does this theory support the observations? 2) what life history shifts might you predict for the crustaceans in light of this new predator?

Explanation / Answer

1).

1). The optimal foraging theory explains these results. The optimal foraging response is, the animals search for food and its behaviour during its search. This process not only provides food to the animals but also consumes time and energy. During this process, animals try to gain maximum benefit, so that their fitness increases. In general, selecting optimum number of species for diet is necessary.

In the given case, predation of juvenile crustaceans may not be an energy efficient process for the new invaders because due to the small prey size. Instead, predating the larger crustaceans is energy efficient because they provide more energy.

2). The crustaceans population is likely to decrease with time if they are consumed before their reproductive age.

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