Selection can alter predator-prey interactions. However, whether and how complex food-webs respond to selection remain largely unknown. We show in the field that antagonistic selection from predators and pathogens on prey body-size can be a primary driver of food-web functioning. In Windermere, U.K., pike (Esox lucius, the predator) selected against small perch (Perca fluviatilis, the prey), wh...

A computational study is conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that mate selection is the evolutionary origin of communication. A population of neural networks is evolved for two cooperative tasks mate selection and prey capture. Simple codes developed for mate selection serve as an effective stepping stone for prey capture but not vice versa. Mate selection followed by an additional prey captur...

Abstract The alternative prey hypothesis supposes that predators supported by a primary species will shift to consume during decrease in abundance. implies declines of one species, predator modifies their behavior exploit secondary, or alternative, species. Despite occurring many systems, the behavioral mechanisms (e.g., habitat selection) allowing toward abundance are poorly understood. We eva...

To effectively ambush prey, sit-and-wait predators must locate sites where profitable prey are likely to return. One means by which predators evaluate potential ambush sites is by recognizing high-use areas through chemical cues deposited inadvertently by their prey. However, it is unknown whether ambush predators can use chemical cues associated with past prey items in the assessment of potent...

This study examined the feeding performance of cultured larvae of the greenback flounder Rhombosolea tapirina, using the live feed organisms, Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia sp., to determine the primary sensory modality involved in feeding, and the effect of previous exposure to prey on subsequent prey selection. The proportion of larvae that fed on rotifers in the light Ž y1 y2 . 400–700 nm...

25 The prey selectivity of fish depends largely on traits of prey and predator. Preferable prey 26 traits might be different for visual predators (such as drift-feeding salmonids) and rather non27 visual predators (such as benthic feeders). We evaluated the explanatory power of five prey 28 traits and prey long-term abundance for the prey selection of small benthivorous fish by 29 analysing the...

Many caterpillars have conspicuous eye-like markings, called eyespots. Despite recent work demonstrating the efficacy of eyespots in deterring predator attack, a fundamental question remains: Given their protective benefits, why have eyespots not evolved in more caterpillars? Using a phylogenetically controlled analysis of hawkmoth caterpillars, we show that eyespots are associated with large b...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES The predatory behaviour with reference to the frequency-dependent prey-selection of the water bugs Sphaerodema annulatum Fabricius and S. rusticum Fabricius was studied in the laboratory using the IV instar larvae and pupae of Armigeres subalbatus as prey to ascertain their efficacy as predator of mosquito immatures. METHODS Field collected adult morphs of the water bu...

The frequency and form of visual signals can be shaped by selection from predators, prey or both. When a signal simultaneously attracts predators and prey selection may favour a strategy that minimizes risks while attracting prey. Accordingly, varying the frequency and form of the silken decorations added to their web may be a way that Argiope spiders minimize predation while attracting prey. N...