Predator Hunting Strategies
Understand that predators have evolved hunting strategies — wolves hunt in packs, chameleons use their long tongues, spiders build webs, crocodiles ambush at water's edge — and prey animals have evolved defences — porcupine spines, skunk spray, poison dart frog toxins, zebra stripes confusing predators, playing dead
Typical age: 7–9 years
“If your child watches a nature programme showing a lion hunting, can they describe at least two different ways predators catch food and two ways prey animals defend themselves?”
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Needs first
- Herbivores, Carnivores & Omnivores
Predator-prey strategies build on curriculum classification of carnivores/herbivores/omnivores
- Animal CamouflageREQUIRED
Predator-prey builds on camouflage as a defence strategy
- Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal hunting connects to predator strategies
- Savanna & Grassland Animals
Savanna predator-prey (lions/zebras) is foundation for predator-prey strategies
Unlocks next
- Structural AdaptationsREQUIRED
Predator-prey adaptations are formalized in the adaptation framework
- Animal Intelligence
Predator hunting strategies demonstrate intelligence
- The Red Queen HypothesisREQUIRED
Co-evolutionary arms race concept depends on predator strategies and prey defences
- Biodiversity
Predator-prey relationships are key component of ecosystem balance