Introduction: Ghost of Lagoon
"The Ghost of Lagoon" is a famous novel written by Armstrong Sperry, published in 1941. The story revolves around the life of a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu, who was afraid of the sea. He sets off on a journey to overcome his fear and discovers a deep connection with nature. The book highlights the relationship between humans and the environment and exemplifies the complexity of predator behavior.
Who is Mako and what is the Shark?
Mako is a fictional character in the novel "The Ghost of Lagoon," represented as the main protagonist. He is a young Polynesian boy who is a skilled fisherman and knows the sea like the back of his hand. The shark, on the other hand, is the main antagonist of the story, who terrorizes the lagoon and its inhabitants. The shark is a natural predator of fish and poses a significant threat to the underwater ecosystem.
The Beginning of the Conflict
The conflict between Mako and the shark began when the shark attacked Mako’s family’s canoe, causing them to lose their catch. Mako realized that the shark was a threat to his family’s survival and decided to take matters into his own hands. He built a trap to catch the shark to protect his family and their livelihood.
Is it just about the Food Chain?
Although the food chain plays a crucial role in the predator-prey relationship, the conflict between Mako and the shark goes beyond just food. It involves territoriality, personal vendettas, and a clash of personalities.
The Role of Territoriality
Territoriality is another factor that contributes to predator behavior. The lagoon is Mako’s home, and he feels a sense of ownership and responsibility towards it. The shark’s presence threatens Mako’s sense of security and ownership, leading him to take the necessary actions to protect his territory.
Mako’s Aggressive Personality
Mako’s personality plays a significant role in his actions towards the shark. He is a determined and fearless individual who does not shy away from challenges. His aggressive nature is a result of his upbringing and the need to survive in a harsh environment.
The Shark’s Threat to Mako’s Kin
Mako’s family is his top priority, and their safety is of utmost importance to him. The shark’s continuous attacks not only threaten their livelihood but also their lives. Mako’s actions towards the shark are a result of his need to protect his kin.
The Effect of Human Intervention
Human intervention can have a significant impact on predator behavior. In the story, Mako’s trap was a human intervention that disrupted the natural order of the ecosystem. The consequences of such interventions are not always positive and can have severe consequences on the environment.
The Impact of Environmental Changes
Environmental changes can also affect predator behavior. Changes in the environment alter the natural order of the ecosystem, causing predators to adapt to new conditions. The impact of such changes on predator behavior is an area that requires further research.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Predator Behavior
The conflict between Mako and the shark in "The Ghost of Lagoon" exemplifies the complexity of predator behavior. The predator-prey relationship goes beyond just food and involves factors such as territoriality, personality, and human intervention. The story highlights the importance of understanding the predator-prey relationship and its impact on the environment.