EVIDENCE NOTEBOOK 19. Explain how a drought might change a coyote's normal feeding habits. What effect could the change have on competition? Record your evidence.

To explain how a drought might change a coyote's normal feeding habits and the potential effects on competition, we can break it down into several key points: ### Changes in Feeding Habits 1. **Reduced Prey Availability**: During a drought, the availability of water and vegetation decreases, which can lead to a decline in the populations of small mammals (like rodents) that coyotes typically prey upon. This reduction in prey can force coyotes to alter their feeding habits. 2. **Increased Scavenging**: With less natural prey available, coyotes may turn to scavenging more frequently. They might seek out carrion or human refuse, which could lead to changes in their diet composition. 3. **Wider Foraging Range**: Coyotes may need to expand their foraging range to find food. This could mean traveling further distances or exploring new territories that they typically wouldn't venture into during normal conditions. 4. **Dietary Adaptation**: Coyotes are opportunistic feeders, so they may adapt their diet to include more fruits, insects, or even larger prey if available. This flexibility can help them survive in harsher conditions. ### Effects on Competition 1. **Increased Competition Among Coyotes**: As food becomes scarcer, coyotes may compete more intensely with each other for the limited resources. This could lead to increased aggression and territorial disputes. 2. **Impact on Other Species**: If coyotes begin to scavenge more or shift their diet, this could affect other scavengers or predators in the area. For example, if coyotes are consuming more carrion, it may reduce the food available for other scavengers like vultures or raccoons. 3. **Changes in Predator-Prey Dynamics**: The shift in feeding habits could alter the dynamics between coyotes and their prey. If coyotes begin to target different species or rely more on scavenging, it could lead to changes in the population dynamics of both predators and prey. 4. **Potential for Increased Human-Coyote Interactions**: As coyotes search for food in urban areas, there may be an increase in encounters with humans, leading to potential conflicts or changes in human perceptions of coyotes. ### Evidence Recording - **Observation of Coyote Behavior**: Document any changes in coyote behavior during drought conditions, such as increased scavenging or changes in territory. - **Prey Population Studies**: Record data on the populations of small mammals and other prey species before, during, and after drought conditions. - **Competition Indicators**: Note any signs of increased competition among coyotes, such as vocalizations, aggressive encounters, or changes in pack dynamics. By understanding these changes, we can better appreciate the adaptability of coyotes and the ecological impacts of drought on their feeding habits and competition.