Comparing behavioural syndromes across time and ecological conditions in a free-ranging predator

摘要: Personality traits (i.e. consistent individual differences in behaviour) often covary, forming behavioural syndromes. Such associations, if driven by an underlying proximate mechanism, could limit the independent evolution of each behaviour. In contrast, a syndrome may be result selection favouring correlation under certain ecological circumstances. this context, investigating stability and potential drivers syndromes is fundamental step towards understanding how they might shape behaviours. We assessed across time two subpopulations free-ranging juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris. measured behaviours, exploration open field sociability group, over 5 years. tested whether these behaviours were associated syndrome, stable was its strength predicted conditions system: predator abundance, survival, newborn recruitment total subpopulation size. found that only observed where predatory shark abundance higher. Across years, main driver for syndrome. During years low recruitment, probably experienced lower competition due to fewer newborns joining population. sharks more explorative also less social. These results indicate we plastic responsive conditions. Since signify are favoured conditions, argue case adaptive.