Predation, individual variability and vertebrate population dynamics |
| |
Authors: | Pettorelli Nathalie Coulson Tim Durant Sarah M Gaillard Jean-Michel |
| |
Institution: | (1) Institute of Zoology, The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK;(2) Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK;(3) Unit? mixte de Recherche CNRS N?5558 Biom?trie et Biologie ?volutive, Universit? Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43, Boulevard du 11 novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne cedex, France |
| |
Abstract: | Both predation and individual variation in life history traits influence population dynamics. Recent results from laboratory
predator–prey systems suggest that differences between individuals can also influence predator–prey dynamics when different
genotypes experience different predation-associated mortalities. Despite the growing number of studies in this field, there
is no synthesis identifying the overall importance of the interactions between predation and individual heterogeneity and
their role in shaping the dynamics of free-ranging populations of vertebrates. We aim to fill this gap with a review that
examines how individual variability in prey susceptibility, in predation costs, in predator selectivity, and in predatory
performance, might influence prey population dynamics. Based on this review, it is clear that (1) predation risk and costs
experienced by free-ranging prey are associated with their phenotypic attributes, (2) many generalist predator populations
consist of individual specialists with part of the specialization associated with their phenotypes, and (3) a complete understanding
of the population dynamic consequences of predation may require information on individual variability in prey selection and
prey vulnerability. Altogether, this work (1) highlights the importance of maintaining long-term, detailed studies of individuals
of both predators and prey in contrasting ecological conditions, and (2) advocates for a better use of available information
to account for interactive effects between predators and their prey when modelling prey population dynamics. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|