Question

Explain what predator facilitation is.

Answer 1

Predator facilitation is a situation arises when a prey is targeted by multiple types of predators. When prey responds to one predator for its defence, it becomes vulnerable to another predator at the same time. In this way, one predator facilitates other type of predator to take on the common prey. Thus, predator facilitation is the ability to facilitate another predator's action or reaponses to certain prey.

e.g., Gerbils have sandy habitats in a desert. They are the common prey for two types of predators: vipers and owls. When gerbils attempt to defend themselves from owls, they are easily exposed to vipers. Thus, owls facilitate predation by vipers.