Feeding strategies of British duck species

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Feeding strategies of British duck species:

Feeding strategies of British duck species

Strategies:

Strategies 3 main methods of feeding Dabblers Divers Grazers

Dabblers:

Include species like: Mallard Teal Shelduck Shoveller Pintail Gadwall Dabblers

Slide 5:

Dabbling ducks feed mainly on the surface of water as well as on land. A variety of food sources are obtained from this technique including seeds and grains, insects, fish and plant materials.

Divers:

Divers Include Species like: Eider Tufted duck Golden eye poachard

Slide 7:

Diving ducks as the name suggests dive, feeding on fish, insects, molluscs and plant material. Many of Britain's divers are migratory and come here for the winter to avoid the colder climates of their breeding grounds. Many divers prefer open water to small ponds and rivers.

Grazers:

Grazers Most dabbling ducks do graze if the opportunity arises Wigeon are the only species that prodominantley graze The feed on Wigeon grass( Ruppia ) in saline environments. But they will dabble if food is available

Slide 9:

Species like mallard and teal will feed on grass if it is a viable option, but wigeon are the only true grazing species of duck in the British isles

Causation:

Causation Why have these species chosen to feed using different strategies? Availability of food Return on energy expenditure Enables them to breed and pass on genes

Development:

Why have different species of duck developed these strategies? To fill ecological niches Take advantage of abundant food sources To survive Development

Development cont.:

Dabblers are like the generalists of ducks, able to feed on a range of food sources to maximise all possible options to them Grazers and divers are more specialised The have realised their niche and have exploited it Development cont.

Function:

Enables different species to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation Ducks feed in groups, so when a duck looking for food sees other ducks or hears them feeding it knows it will be able to feed there. Function

Evolution:

Within certain species evolution has altered their body and beak shape to suit their feeding strategies. Migration to more temperate climates enables the birds to utilise available food sources that would not be available if they remained in an energy poor environment. Evolution

Evolution cont.:

Some migratory birds have decided to stay in Britain all year round as they have realised that food is available for them. Mallard in particular have taken residence in towns and cities, as they are fed by humans. Evolution cont.

Conclutions:

Different feeding strategies are beneficial to different species of ducks. Limits competition Different niches are exploited Creates a varied and balanced ecosystem Conclutions

Slide 17:

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