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Which conditions promote negative density dependent selection on prey aggregations?
1School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. colin.tosh@ncl.ac.uk
Journal of Theoretical Biology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Predator selection on prey groups can be positive or negative, influencing aggregation. This study identifies prey group size distribution and spatial conformation as key factors determining the type of density dependent selection observed.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Density dependent selection (DDS) influences prey aggregation evolution.
- Both positive and negative DDS have been observed, but predictive frameworks are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework predicting when positive or negative DDS on prey occurs.
- To identify environmental factors influencing DDS in prey aggregations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized artificial neural networks to simulate predator-prey interactions.
- Investigated the impact of prey group size distribution and spatial conformation on predator selection.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that predator behavior and prey characteristics determine DDS.
- Identified specific combinations of prey group size distribution and spatial conformation leading to positive, negative, or non-DDS.
Conclusions:
- Prey group size distribution and spatial conformation are critical factors in density dependent selection.
- The findings provide a novel framework for understanding the evolution and maintenance of prey aggregations.
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