Human-induced trait shifts reshape predator-prey interactions

For millions of years, predators and their prey have been locked in an evolutionary arms race: adaptive changes in one favor compensatory adaptations in the other. Humans have also been powerful agents of selection, reshaping the distribution of traits in animal populations. These human-induced trait shifts can disrupt predator-prey interactions, with cascading effects on ecological communities and ecosystems. We synthesize emerging evidence demonstrating that anthropogenic pressures alter physical, behavioral, and social traits relevant to predator-prey dynamics. We provide a framework for predicting the outcomes of trait shifts and a roadmap for advancing this emerging field of research. Incorporating human-induced trait changes into interaction models is essential for forecasting and conserving ecological function in a rapidly changing world.