Does Cohistory Constrain Information Use? Evidence for Generalized Risk Assessment in Nonnative Prey

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Prey species utilize diverse information sources to assess predation risk.
• Evolutionary history with predators can influence how prey species use information.
• Nonnative prey may not recognize novel predators and rely on generalized risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of shared predator-prey history on prey species' information use.
• To compare the responses of native and nonnative prey to chemical cues from predators and injured conspecifics.
• To determine if nonnative prey exhibit information generalism.

Main Methods:

• Tested responses of three native and four nonnative prey species.
• Utilized chemical cues from a native predator.
• Used chemical cues from injured conspecific prey.

Main Results:

• Nonnative prey showed stronger responses to alarm cues from injured conspecifics than to predator cues.
• Nonnative prey responded similarly to alarm cues and cues from predators consuming prey.
• Native prey required multiple information sources for maximal defensive responses.

Conclusions:

• Nonnative prey exhibit information generalism, prioritizing alarm cues over predator cues.
• Information generalism in nonnative prey may facilitate invasions into novel habitats.
• Shared evolutionary history did not consistently predict responses to all chemical information sources.