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A Real-Time Interactive System for Studying Confrontational Pursuit Behavior in Rodents

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Predator functional response changed by induced defenses in prey.

Edd Hammill¹, Owen L Petchey, Bradley R Anholt

¹Department of Biology, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3020, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3N5, Canada. hammill@zoology.ubc.ca

The American Naturalist

|October 20, 2010

Summary

Prey defenses alter predator interactions, shifting functional responses from Type II to Type III. This change stabilizes predator-prey dynamics by reducing predation on small populations, aiding survival.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Population Dynamics

Background:

Functional responses are key to predator-prey dynamics.
Induced defenses in prey can alter these interactions.
Previous research has not fully explored how prey defenses impact predator functional responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of induced prey defenses on predator functional responses.
To understand how prey defensive strategies influence attack rates and handling times.
To assess the consequences of these changes for population stability.

Main Methods:

Experimental manipulation of predator-prey communities (Stenostomum and Paramecium).
Observation of prey behavioral changes (speed reduction, width increase) upon nonlethal exposure.
Quantification of predator functional response curves (Type II to Type III shift).
Measurement of attack rates and handling times.

Main Results:

Prey exhibited inducible defenses (speed reduction, width increase) against predators.
Predator functional response shifted from Type II to Type III.
Handling times increased significantly (at least sixfold) for defended prey.
Attack rates varied with prey density, but overall consumption decreased due to increased handling times.

Conclusions:

Induced prey defenses have a significant defensive function.
The shift to a Type III functional response can stabilize predator-prey population dynamics.
This stabilization effect allows for the survival of relict prey populations, promoting ecosystem persistence.