The measure of spatial position within groups that best predicts predation risk depends on group movement.

ABSTRACT: Both empirical and theoretical studies show that an individual's spatial position within a group can impact the risk of being targeted by predators. Spatial positions can be quantified in numerous ways, but there are no direct comparisons of different spatial measures in predicting the risk of being targeted by real predators. Here, we assess these spatial measures in groups of stationary and moving virtual prey being attacked by three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). In stationary groups, the limited domain of danger best predicted the likelihood of attack. In moving groups, the number of near neighbours was the best predictor but only over a limited range of distances within which other prey were counted. Otherwise, measures of proximity to the group's edge outperform

SUBMITTER: Lambert PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8441135 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature