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Individual specialization and generalization in predator-prey dynamics: The determinant role of predation efficiency
Gui Araujo1, Rafael Rios Moura2
1Programa de Pós-graduação em Física Teórica e Experimental, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Núcleo de Extensão e Pesquisa em Ecologia e Evolução (NEPEE), Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e da Natureza, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Individual specialization and generalization refer to the breadth of prey types consumed by predators among all available prey. The ecological factors mechanistically determining individual differences and the coexistence of foraging strategies remain to be clarified. Formal quantitative models can elucidate the complex nonlinear mechanisms underlying predator-prey interactions. In this study, we built a dynamical model with multiple prey, with different nutritional values and reproductive rates, which are consumed by specialist and generalist predators. We then analyzed the viability of individual foraging strategies in all possible scenarios. Relative prey fertility and relative efficiency of predation, rather than prey nutritional value, determined the success of specialists and generalists. Less reproducing prey and the specialists relying on them face the highest danger of extinction, while generalists cannot thrive where specialists are sufficiently efficient in relation to the number of available prey. Our study provides new perspectives for empirical studies on individual specialization.
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