Numerical response

Pronunciation
/noo-mer-i-kal re-sponse/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Numerical response
Plural
Numerical responses

Definition

An increase in the number of natural enemies in response to an increase in the density of their insect hosts.

Etymology

From the Latin words 'numerus' (meaning 'number') and 'respondere' (meaning 'to respond').

Example

The numerical response of a parasitoid wasp to an increase in its host population density can be observed in fields where pest populations are high.

Related Terms