Threat of predation alters aggressive interactions among spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) larvae.

ABSTRACT: Intraspecific aggression represents a major source of mortality for many animals and is often experienced alongside the threat of predation. The presence of predators can strongly influence ecological systems both directly by consuming prey and indirectly by altering prey behavior or habitat use. As such, the threat of attack by higher level predators may strongly influence agonistic interactions among conspecifics via nonconsumptive (e.g., behaviorally mediated) predator effects. We sought to investigate these interactions experimentally using larval salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) as prey and dragonfly nymphs (Anax junius) as predators. Specifically, we quantified salamander behavioral responses to perceived predation risk (PPR) from dragonfly nymphs and determined the de

SUBMITTER: Hossie TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5869354 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature