Social Predation

The classic literature on predation dealt almost exclusively with solitary predators and their prey. Going back to Lotka-Volterra and optimal foraging theory, the theory about predation, including predator-prey population dynamics, was developed for solitary species. Various consequences of sociality for predators have been considered only recently. Similarly, while it was long recognized that prey species can benefit from living in groups, research on the adaptive value of sociality for prey species mostly emerged in the 1970s. The main theme of this book is the various ways that predators and prey may benefit from living in groups. The first part focusses on predators and explores how group membership influences predation success rate, from searching to subduing prey. The second part focusses on how prey in groups can detect and escape predators. The final section explores group size and composition and how individuals respond over evolutionary times to the challenges posed by chasing or being chased by animals in groups. This book will help the reader understand current issues in social predation theory and provide a synthesis of the literature across a broad range of animal taxa.

• Includes the whole taxonomical range rather than limiting it to a select few
• Features in-depth analysis that allows a better understanding of many subtleties surrounding the issues related to social predation
• Presents both models and empirical results while covering the extensive predator and prey literature
• Contains extensive illustrations and separate boxes that cover more technical features, i.e., to present models and review results

Researchers in animal behavior, ethology; evolutionary, behavioral and ecological biology and ecology; as well as advanced UG/graduate students and professors in these areas

Preface

Part A: Predators

Chapter 1. Finding and Exploiting Food in Groups

Abstract

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Benefits of Group Foraging

1.3 Costs of Group Foraging

1.4 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 2. Producing and Scrounging

Abstract

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Definition

2.3 The Basic Producing and Scrounging Model

2.4 New Theoretical Developments

2.5 Empirical Evidence

2.6 Concluding Remarks

Part B: Prey

Chapter 3. Antipredator Ploys

Abstract

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Antipredator Ploys

3.3 Are Antipredator Ploys Effective?

3.4 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 4. Antipredator Vigilance: Theory and Testing the Assumptions

Abstract

4.1 Introduction

4.2 What Vigilance Is and How It Is Measured

4.3 Theoretical Background

4.4 Validity of the Assumptions

4.5 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 5. Antipredator Vigilance: Detection and the Group-Size Effect

Abstract

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Increased Detection in Groups

5.3 Decreased Vigilance in Larger Groups

5.4 Vigilance When Predation Risk Is Negligible

5.5 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 6. The Selfish Herd

Abstract

6.1 Introduction

6.2 New Theoretical Developments

6.3 Empirical Evidence

6.4 Concluding Remarks

Part C: General Considerations

Chapter 7. Group Size and Composition

Abstract

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Optimal Group Size

7.3 Group Composition

7.4 Proximate Mechanisms

7.5 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 8. Mixed-Species Groups

Abstract

8.1 Introduction

8.2 What Is a Mixed-Species Group?

8.3 The Formation of Mixed-Species Groups

8.4 Large-Scale Synthesis in Avian Flocks

8.5 Evolution of Traits Associated with Mixed-Species Groups

8.6 Concluding Remarks

Chapter 9. Evolutionary Issues

Abstract

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Co-Evolution between Predators and Prey

9.3 Evolution of Social Predation

9.4 Concluding Remarks

Conclusion

What Have We Learned?

Where Do We Go from Here?

Predators

Prey

Predators and Prey

General Issues

Narrow Taxonomic Focus

Narrow Explanations

Narrow Assumptions

References

Index

Colour Plates