Studying mammals: The opportunists

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • explain the concept of energy transfer between trophic levels
  • outline the usefulness and limitations of food chains and food webs
  • using examples, weigh up the value of dietary specialisation and of omnivory
  • summarise the physiological changes linked with ‘hibernation’ in grizzly bears
  • give examples of variations in diet and lifestyle among the bear family.