Frequency-dependent predation and maintenance of prey polymorphism

被引:31
作者
Merilaita, S. [1 ]
机构
[1] Stockholm Univ, Dept Zool, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
关键词
apostatic selection; diversity; frequency-dependent selection; search image; CRYPTIC PREY; SEARCH IMAGE; APOSTATIC SELECTION; LIMITED ATTENTION; VISUAL-SEARCH; VIRTUAL PREY; CONSEQUENCES; DYNAMICS;
D O I
10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01137.x
中图分类号
Q14 [生态学(生物生态学)];
学科分类号
071012 ; 0713 ;
摘要
In positive frequency-dependent predation, predation risk of an individual prey correlates positively with the frequency of that prey type. In a number of small-scale experiments individual predators have shown frequency-dependent behaviour, often leading to the conclusion that a population of such predators could maintain prey polymorphism. Using simulations, I studied the dynamics of frequency-dependent predation and prey polymorphism. The model suggests that persistence of prey polymorphism decreases with increasing number of predators that show frequency-dependent behaviour, questioning conclusions about polymorphism based on experiments with few predators. In addition, prey population size, prey crypsis, difference in crypsis between prey morphs and the way the behaviour was adjusted affected the persistence of polymorphism. Under some circumstances prey population remained polymorphic for a shorter time under frequency-dependent than under frequency-independent predation. This suggests that although positive frequency-dependent predator behaviour may maintain prey polymorphism, it is not a sufficient condition for persistent prey polymorphism.
引用
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页码:2022 / 2030
页数:9
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