Predation Risk and Behavioral Life History
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Predators As Agents of Selection and Diversification
diversity Review Predators as Agents of Selection and Diversification Jerald B. Johnson * and Mark C. Belk Evolutionary Ecology Laboratories, Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-801-422-4502 Received: 6 October 2020; Accepted: 29 October 2020; Published: 31 October 2020 Abstract: Predation is ubiquitous in nature and can be an important component of both ecological and evolutionary interactions. One of the most striking features of predators is how often they cause evolutionary diversification in natural systems. Here, we review several ways that this can occur, exploring empirical evidence and suggesting promising areas for future work. We also introduce several papers recently accepted in Diversity that demonstrate just how important and varied predation can be as an agent of natural selection. We conclude that there is still much to be done in this field, especially in areas where multiple predator species prey upon common prey, in certain taxonomic groups where we still know very little, and in an overall effort to actually quantify mortality rates and the strength of natural selection in the wild. Keywords: adaptation; mortality rates; natural selection; predation; prey 1. Introduction In the history of life, a key evolutionary innovation was the ability of some organisms to acquire energy and nutrients by killing and consuming other organisms [1–3]. This phenomenon of predation has evolved independently, multiple times across all known major lineages of life, both extinct and extant [1,2,4]. Quite simply, predators are ubiquitous agents of natural selection. Not surprisingly, prey species have evolved a variety of traits to avoid predation, including traits to avoid detection [4–6], to escape from predators [4,7], to withstand harm from attack [4], to deter predators [4,8], and to confuse or deceive predators [4,8]. -
Effects of Human Disturbance on Terrestrial Apex Predators
diversity Review Effects of Human Disturbance on Terrestrial Apex Predators Andrés Ordiz 1,2,* , Malin Aronsson 1,3, Jens Persson 1 , Ole-Gunnar Støen 4, Jon E. Swenson 2 and Jonas Kindberg 4,5 1 Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-730 91 Riddarhyttan, Sweden; [email protected] (M.A.); [email protected] (J.P.) 2 Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Postbox 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway; [email protected] 3 Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden 4 Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NO-7485 Trondheim, Norway; [email protected] (O.-G.S.); [email protected] (J.K.) 5 Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: The effects of human disturbance spread over virtually all ecosystems and ecological communities on Earth. In this review, we focus on the effects of human disturbance on terrestrial apex predators. We summarize their ecological role in nature and how they respond to different sources of human disturbance. Apex predators control their prey and smaller predators numerically and via behavioral changes to avoid predation risk, which in turn can affect lower trophic levels. Crucially, reducing population numbers and triggering behavioral responses are also the effects that human disturbance causes to apex predators, which may in turn influence their ecological role. Some populations continue to be at the brink of extinction, but others are partially recovering former ranges, via natural recolonization and through reintroductions. -
EXTRA-PAIR MATING and EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE in the SONG SPARROW (Melospiza Melodia)
EXTRA-PAIR MATING AND EFFECTIVE POPULATION SIZE IN THE SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia) By Kathleen D. O'Connor B.A., Skidmore College, 2000 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FUFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES THE FACULTY OF FORESTRY Department of Forest Sciences Centre for Applied Conservation Research We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA April 2003 © Kathleen D. O'Connor, 2003 In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my department or by his or her representatives. It is understood that copying or publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Department of Fpce_t Sciences The University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada Date 2HApc. 20O5 DE-6 (2/88) Abstract Effective population size is used widely in conservation research and management as an indicator of the genetic state of populations. However, estimates of effective population size for socially monogamous species can vary with the frequency of matings outside of the social pair. I investigated the effect of cryptic extra-pair fertilization on effective population size estimates using four years of demographic and genetic data from a resident population of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia Oberholser 1899) on Mandarte Island, British Columbia, Canada. -
Foraging : an Ecology Model of Consumer Behaviour?
This is a repository copy of Foraging : an ecology model of consumer behaviour?. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/122432/ Version: Accepted Version Article: Wells, VK orcid.org/0000-0003-1253-7297 (2012) Foraging : an ecology model of consumer behaviour? Marketing Theory. pp. 117-136. ISSN 1741-301X https://doi.org/10.1177/1470593112441562 Reuse Items deposited in White Rose Research Online are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved unless indicated otherwise. They may be downloaded and/or printed for private study, or other acts as permitted by national copyright laws. The publisher or other rights holders may allow further reproduction and re-use of the full text version. This is indicated by the licence information on the White Rose Research Online record for the item. Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [email protected] including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request. [email protected] https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/ Foraging: an ecology model of consumer behavior? Victoria.K.Wells* Durham Business School, UK First Submission June 2010 Revision One December 2010 Revision Two August 2011 Accepted for Publication: September 2011 * Address for correspondence: Dr Victoria Wells (née James), Durham Business School, Durham University, Mill Hill Lane, Durham, DH1 3LB & Queen’s Campus, University Boulevard, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6BH, Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 0472, E-mail: [email protected] I would like to thank Tony Ellson for his guidance and Gordon Foxall for his helpful comments during the development and writing of this paper. -
Maximum Sustainable Yield from Interacting Fish Stocks in an Uncertain World: Two Policy Choices and Underlying Trade-Offs Arxiv
Maximum sustainable yield from interacting fish stocks in an uncertain world: two policy choices and underlying trade-offs Adrian Farcas Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom [email protected] Axel G. Rossberg∗ Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 327 Mile End Rd, London E1, United Kingdom and Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom [email protected] 26 May 2016 c Crown copyright Abstract The case of fisheries management illustrates how the inherent structural instability of ecosystems can have deep-running policy implications. We contrast ten types of management plans to achieve maximum sustainable yields (MSY) from multiple stocks and compare their effectiveness based on a management strategy evalua- tion (MSE) that uses complex food webs in its operating model. Plans that target specific stock sizes (BMSY) consistently led to higher yields than plans targeting spe- cific fishing pressures (FMSY). A new self-optimising control rule, introduced here arXiv:1412.0199v6 [q-bio.PE] 31 May 2016 for its robustness to structural instability, led to intermediate yields. Most plans outperformed single-species management plans with pressure targets set without considering multispecies interactions. However, more refined plans to \maximise the yield from each stock separately", in the sense of a Nash equilibrium, produced total yields comparable to plans aiming to maximise total harvested biomass, and were more robust to structural instability. Our analyses highlight trade-offs between yields, amenability to negotiations, pressures on biodiversity, and continuity with current approaches in the European context. -
Prowling for Predators- Africa Overnight
Prowling for Predators- Africa Overnight: SCHEDULE: 6:45- 7:00 Arrive 7:00- 8:20 Introductions Zoo Rules Itinerary Introduction to Predator/Prey dynamics- presented with live animal encounters Food Pyramid Talk 8:20- 8:45 Snack 8:45-11:00 Building Tours 11:00-11:30 HOPE Jeopardy PREPARATION: x Paint QUESTing spots with blacklight Paint x Hide clue tubes NEEDS: x Zoo Maps x Charged Blacklight Flashlights (Triple As) x Animal Food Chain Cards x Ball of String x Hula Hoops, Tablecloths ANIMAL OPTIONS: x Ball Python x Hedgehog x Tarantula x Flamingos x Hornbill x White-Faced Scops Owl x Barn Owl x Radiated Tortoise x Spiny-Tailed Lizard DEPENDING ON YOUR ORDER YOU WILL: Tour Buildings: x Commissary- QUESTing o Front: Kitchen o Back: Dry Foods x AFRICA o Front: African QUESTing- Lion o Back: African QUESTing- Cheetah x Reptile House- QUESTing o King Cobra (Right of building) Animal Demos: x In the Education Building Games: x Africa Outpost I **manageable group sizes in auditorium or classrooms x Oh Antelope x Quick Frozen Critters x HOPE Jeopardy x Africa Outpost II o HOPE Jeopardy o *Overflow game: Musk Ox Maneuvers INTRODUCTION & HIKE INFORMATION (AGE GROUP SPECIFIC) x See appendix I Prowling for Predators: Africa Outpost I Time Requirement: 4hrs. Group Size & Grades: Up to 100 people- 2nd-4t h grades Materials: QUESTing handouts Goals: -Create a sense of WONDER to all participants -We can capitalize on wonder- During up-close animal demos & in front of exhibit animals/behind the scenes opportunities. -Convey KNOWLEDGE to all participants -This should be done by using participatory teaching methods (e.g. -
Synthetic Mutualism and the Intervention Dilemma
life Review Synthetic Mutualism and the Intervention Dilemma Jai A. Denton 1,† ID and Chaitanya S. Gokhale 2,*,† ID 1 Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna-son 904-0412, Japan; [email protected] 2 Research Group for Theoretical models of Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24304 Plön, Germany * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-45-2276-3574 † These authors contributed equally to this work. Received: 30 October 2018; Accepted: 23 January 2019; Published: 28 January 2019 Abstract: Ecosystems are complex networks of interacting individuals co-evolving with their environment. As such, changes to an interaction can influence the whole ecosystem. However, to predict the outcome of these changes, considerable understanding of processes driving the system is required. Synthetic biology provides powerful tools to aid this understanding, but these developments also allow us to change specific interactions. Of particular interest is the ecological importance of mutualism, a subset of cooperative interactions. Mutualism occurs when individuals of different species provide a reciprocal fitness benefit. We review available experimental techniques of synthetic biology focused on engineered synthetic mutualistic systems. Components of these systems have defined interactions that can be altered to model naturally occurring relationships. Integrations between experimental systems and theoretical models, each informing the use or development of the other, allow predictions to be made about the nature of complex relationships. The predictions range from stability of microbial communities in extreme environments to the collapse of ecosystems due to dangerous levels of human intervention. With such caveats, we evaluate the promise of synthetic biology from the perspective of ethics and laws regarding biological alterations, whether on Earth or beyond. -
Mimicry - Ecology - Oxford Bibliographies 12/13/12 7:29 PM
Mimicry - Ecology - Oxford Bibliographies 12/13/12 7:29 PM Mimicry David W. Kikuchi, David W. Pfennig Introduction Among nature’s most exquisite adaptations are examples in which natural selection has favored a species (the mimic) to resemble a second, often unrelated species (the model) because it confuses a third species (the receiver). For example, the individual members of a nontoxic species that happen to resemble a toxic species may dupe any predators by behaving as if they are also dangerous and should therefore be avoided. In this way, adaptive resemblances can evolve via natural selection. When this phenomenon—dubbed “mimicry”—was first outlined by Henry Walter Bates in the middle of the 19th century, its intuitive appeal was so great that Charles Darwin immediately seized upon it as one of the finest examples of evolution by means of natural selection. Even today, mimicry is often used as a prime example in textbooks and in the popular press as a superlative example of natural selection’s efficacy. Moreover, mimicry remains an active area of research, and studies of mimicry have helped illuminate such diverse topics as how novel, complex traits arise; how new species form; and how animals make complex decisions. General Overviews Since Henry Walter Bates first published his theories of mimicry in 1862 (see Bates 1862, cited under Historical Background), there have been periodic reviews of our knowledge in the subject area. Cott 1940 was mainly concerned with animal coloration. Subsequent reviews, such as Edmunds 1974 and Ruxton, et al. 2004, have focused on types of mimicry associated with defense from predators. -
Introduction to Theoretical Ecology
Introduction to Theoretical Ecology Natal, 2011 Objectives After this week: The student understands the concept of a biological system in equilibrium and knows that equilibria can be stable or unstable. The student understands the basics of how coupled differential equations can be analyzed graphically, including phase plane analysis and nullclines. The student can analyze the stability of the equilibria of a one-dimensional differential equation model graphically. The student has a basic understanding of what a bifurcation point is. The student can relate alternative stable states to a 1D bifurcation plot (e.g. catastrophe fold). Study material / for further study: This text Scheffer, M. 2009. Critical Transitions in Nature and Society, Princeton University Press, Princeton and Oxford. Scheffer, M. 1998. Ecology of Shallow Lakes. 1 edition. Chapman and Hall, London. Edelstein-Keshet, L. 1988. Mathematical models in biology. 1 edition. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York. Tentative programme (maybe too tight for the exercises) Monday 9:00-10:30 Introduction Modelling + introduction Forrester diagram + 1D models (stability graphs) 10:30-13:00 GRIND Practical CO2 chamber - Ethiopian Wolf Tuesday 9:00-10:00 Introduction bifurcation (Allee effect) and Phase plane analysis (Lotka-Volterra competition) 10:00-13:00 GRIND Practical Lotka-Volterra competition + Sahara Wednesday 9:00-13:00 GRIND Practical – Sahara (continued) and Algae-zooplankton Thursday 9:00-13:00 GRIND practical – Algae zooplankton spatial heterogeneity Friday 9:00-12:00 GRIND practical- Algae zooplankton fish 12:00-13:00 Practical summary/explanation of results - Wrap up 1 An introduction to models What is a model? The word 'model' is used widely in every-day language. -
A Review of Planktivorous Fishes: Their Evolution, Feeding Behaviours, Selectivities, and Impacts
Hydrobiologia 146: 97-167 (1987) 97 0 Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht - Printed in the Netherlands A review of planktivorous fishes: Their evolution, feeding behaviours, selectivities, and impacts I Xavier Lazzaro ORSTOM (Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique pour le Développement eri Coopération), 213, rue Lu Fayette, 75480 Paris Cedex IO, France Present address: Laboratorio de Limrzologia, Centro de Recursos Hidricob e Ecologia Aplicada, Departamento de Hidraulica e Sarzeamento, Universidade de São Paulo, AV,DI: Carlos Botelho, 1465, São Carlos, Sï? 13560, Brazil t’ Mail address: CI? 337, São Carlos, SI? 13560, Brazil Keywords: planktivorous fish, feeding behaviours, feeding selectivities, electivity indices, fish-plankton interactions, predator-prey models Mots clés: poissons planctophages, comportements alimentaires, sélectivités alimentaires, indices d’électivité, interactions poissons-pltpcton, modèles prédateurs-proies I Résumé La vision classique des limnologistes fut de considérer les interactions cntre les composants des écosystè- mes lacustres comme un flux d’influence unidirectionnel des sels nutritifs vers le phytoplancton, le zoo- plancton, et finalement les poissons, par l’intermédiaire de processus de contrôle successivement physiqucs, chimiques, puis biologiques (StraSkraba, 1967). L‘effet exercé par les poissons plaiictophages sur les commu- nautés zoo- et phytoplanctoniques ne fut reconnu qu’à partir des travaux de HrbáEek et al. (1961), HrbAEek (1962), Brooks & Dodson (1965), et StraSkraba (1965). Ces auteurs montrèrent (1) que dans les étangs et lacs en présence de poissons planctophages prédateurs visuels. les conimuiiautés‘zooplanctoniques étaient com- posées d’espèces de plus petites tailles que celles présentes dans les milieux dépourvus de planctophages et, (2) que les communautés zooplanctoniques résultantes, composées d’espèces de petites tailles, influençaient les communautés phytoplanctoniques. -
Meta-Ecosystems: a Theoretical Framework for a Spatial Ecosystem Ecology
Ecology Letters, (2003) 6: 673–679 doi: 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2003.00483.x IDEAS AND PERSPECTIVES Meta-ecosystems: a theoretical framework for a spatial ecosystem ecology Abstract Michel Loreau1*, Nicolas This contribution proposes the meta-ecosystem concept as a natural extension of the Mouquet2,4 and Robert D. Holt3 metapopulation and metacommunity concepts. A meta-ecosystem is defined as a set of 1Laboratoire d’Ecologie, UMR ecosystems connected by spatial flows of energy, materials and organisms across 7625, Ecole Normale Supe´rieure, ecosystem boundaries. This concept provides a powerful theoretical tool to understand 46 rue d’Ulm, F–75230 Paris the emergent properties that arise from spatial coupling of local ecosystems, such as Cedex 05, France global source–sink constraints, diversity–productivity patterns, stabilization of ecosystem 2Department of Biological processes and indirect interactions at landscape or regional scales. The meta-ecosystem Science and School of perspective thereby has the potential to integrate the perspectives of community and Computational Science and Information Technology, Florida landscape ecology, to provide novel fundamental insights into the dynamics and State University, Tallahassee, FL functioning of ecosystems from local to global scales, and to increase our ability to 32306-1100, USA predict the consequences of land-use changes on biodiversity and the provision of 3Department of Zoology, ecosystem services to human societies. University of Florida, 111 Bartram Hall, Gainesville, FL Keywords 32611-8525, -
Can More K-Selected Species Be Better Invaders?
Diversity and Distributions, (Diversity Distrib.) (2007) 13, 535–543 Blackwell Publishing Ltd BIODIVERSITY Can more K-selected species be better RESEARCH invaders? A case study of fruit flies in La Réunion Pierre-François Duyck1*, Patrice David2 and Serge Quilici1 1UMR 53 Ӷ Peuplements Végétaux et ABSTRACT Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical ӷ CIRAD Invasive species are often said to be r-selected. However, invaders must sometimes Pôle de Protection des Plantes (3P), 7 chemin de l’IRAT, 97410 St Pierre, La Réunion, France, compete with related resident species. In this case invaders should present combina- 2UMR 5175, CNRS Centre d’Ecologie tions of life-history traits that give them higher competitive ability than residents, Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), 1919 route de even at the expense of lower colonization ability. We test this prediction by compar- Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex, France ing life-history traits among four fruit fly species, one endemic and three successive invaders, in La Réunion Island. Recent invaders tend to produce fewer, but larger, juveniles, delay the onset but increase the duration of reproduction, survive longer, and senesce more slowly than earlier ones. These traits are associated with higher ranks in a competitive hierarchy established in a previous study. However, the endemic species, now nearly extinct in the island, is inferior to the other three with respect to both competition and colonization traits, violating the trade-off assumption. Our results overall suggest that the key traits for invasion in this system were those that *Correspondence: Pierre-François Duyck, favoured competition rather than colonization. CIRAD 3P, 7, chemin de l’IRAT, 97410, Keywords St Pierre, La Réunion Island, France.