BRAINCAKETerritory
A territory is an area that an animal, a pair or a group defends against other members of the same species. It usually contains the resources the holder needs, such as food, shelter, nest sites or access to mates.
How territories are held. Animals mark and advertise their boundaries so that fights are usually avoided. Robins and many other songbirds sing and display; wolves and cats use scent marks from urine or glands; some fish and lizards display bright colours. Fighting is risky and uses energy, so signals are the main method.
Benefits to the holder
• A reliable supply of food for itself and its young.
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More in The Nature of Ecosystems
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- Predation
- Finding a Mate
- Parasitism and Disease
- Case Study: Snowshoe Hare and Lynx
- Case Study: Red Grouse and Parasites
- Density Dependent Factors
All 39 lessons in The Nature of Ecosystems · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics