Humphreys, R. K. and Ruxton, G. D. (2020) The dicey dinner dilemma: asymmetry in predator-prey risk-taking, a broadly applicable alternative to the life-dinner principle. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 33(3), pp. 377-383. (doi: 10.1111/jeb.13585) (PMID:31919916)
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Abstract
Forty years ago, the ‘life-dinner principle’ was proposed as an example of an asymmetry that may lead prey species to experience stronger selection than their predators, thus accounting for the high frequency with which prey escape alive from interaction with a predator. This principle remains an influential concept in the scientific literature, despite several works suggesting that the concept relies on many under-appreciated assumptions and does not apply as generally as was initially proposed. Here, we present a novel model describing a very different asymmetry to that proposed in the life-dinner principle, but one that could apply broadly. We argue that asymmetries between the relative costs and benefits to predators and prey of selecting a risky behaviour during an extended predator–prey encounter could lead to an enhanced likelihood of escape for the prey. Any resulting advantage to prey depends upon there being a behaviour or choice that introduces some inherent danger to both predator and prey if they adopt it, but which if the prey adopts the predator must match in order to have a chance of successful predation. We suggest that the circumstances indicated by our model could apply broadly across diverse taxa, including both risky spatial or behavioural choices.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | RKH is grateful to both the University of St Andrews and the Perry Foundation for funding. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | McKenna, Dr Rosalind and Ruxton, Professor Graeme |
| Authors: | Humphreys, R. K., and Ruxton, G. D. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Evolutionary Biology |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| ISSN: | 1010-061X |
| ISSN (Online): | 1420-9101 |
| Published Online: | 29 January 2020 |
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