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- What advantages/disadvantages (or limitations) are associated with being in this feeding group?
Animals that feed on animal fluid
Some animals have evolved to become specialists at accessing the fluids of other animals as their main food source. Animals that specialise in animal fluid feeding can be found in a number of phyla including platyhelminths, nematodes, annelids and arthropods. Whilst there are many physical adaptations that allow access to another animal's body fluid (i.e. piercing mouthparts, body plans), animals in this group must also have behavioural adaptations that allow access to the fluid. To be successful in accessing this food type the animals needs to either immobilise the prey whilst they are sucking the body fluids, or else they must be able to remain undetected. While some body fluids make an ideal food source and provide a good balance of pre-digested nutrients, many can be very dilute - blood, for example, is approximately 95% water (by volume). In addition, this group must overcome problems such as pressure differences in fluid and clotting in order to become successful in this niche.