Figure 23.12: An example of a true predator, showing a lioness actively hunting warthogs in
the western corridor of the Serengeti, in Africa. ( 2 )
but are noted for their close association with their host species, and will be discussed further
in the next section on symbiosis.
Figure 23.13: An example of Batesian mimicry, where the Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis
archippus) (right) mimics the unpalatable Monarch butterfly (Danaus complexions) (left).
Both species are avoided by predators to a greater degree than either one would be otherwise.
( 23 )
Another way of classifying predators is by degree of specialization. Many predators, such as
pandas and the snail kite, specialize in hunting only one species of prey, or certain classes
of prey. Others, such as humans, leopards, and dogs, will kill and eat a wide variety of
species. Specialists are usually well adapted in capturing their prey, but prey may be equally
well adapted in escaping the predator. This helps to keep both populations in equilibrium.
Almostallspecialistswillusuallysuccessfullyswitchtootherpreyormayresorttoscavenging
or even a vegetarian diet, if the preferred prey is extremely scarce.
Predators play an ecological role, in that they may increase the biodiversity of communi-