Question

Describe the anatomical features or specializations of the lamprey (head region) that allow it to be such an effecient parastitic predator (include how it finds its prey)

Answer 1

Lampreys are generally parasites and efficiency of it's predation lies upon it's unique anatomical features. Although lampreys are virtually blind they have chemoreceptor as well as electroreceptor. Around mouth four pairs of tentacles are present that sense smell of certain amino acid comes from the prey. They often take ride from large animals and reached to the prey detecting the smell.

Once reached, they use funnel like sucking mouth to attach on the prey. The jawless mouth has horny teeth and abrasive tongue which cut the tissue untill reaches to blood. Saliva of lamprey contains anticoagulant, keeps blood of victim fluid. Some lampreys eat both flesh and blood.