Background level of risk determines how prey categorize predators and non-predators

Background level of risk determines how prey categorize predators and non-predators.

Much of the plasticity that prey exhibit in response to predators is linked to the prey's immediate background level of risk. However, we know almost nothing of how background risk influences how prey learn to categorize predators and non-predators. Learning non-predators probably represents one of the most underappreciated aspects of anti-predator decision-making. Here, we provide larval damse...

Learned recognition of introduced predators determines survival of tadpole prey

Persistence of Predators in a Two Predators- One Prey Model with Non-Periodic Solution

A model of two competing predators sharing one prey in homogeneous environment with Holling type-II functional response is introduced. It is cast as a Kolmogorov-type system of differential equations. The stability of the equilibrium points of the system is studied and discussed. The conditions of coexistence and extinction of the predators in the case of non-periodic solution are obtained in t...

Prey attack and predators defend: counterattacking prey trigger parental care in predators.

That predators attack and prey defend is an oversimplified view. When size changes during development, large prey may be invulnerable to predators, and small juvenile predators vulnerable to attack by prey. This in turn may trigger a defensive response in adult predators to protect their offspring. Indeed, when sizes overlap, one may wonder "who is the predator and who is the prey"! Experiments...

Getting ready for invasions: can background level of risk predict the ability of naïve prey to survive novel predators?

Factors predicting the outcome of predator invasions on native prey communities are critical to our understanding of invasion ecology. Here, we tested whether background level of risk affected the survival of prey to novel predators, both native and invasive, predicting that high-risk environments would better prepare prey for invasions. We used naïve woodfrog as our prey and exposed them to a ...