VARIATION IN THE ANTIPREDATOR RESPONSES OF THREE SYMPATRIC PLETHODONTID SALAMANDERS TO PREDATOR-DIET CUES

摘要: Organisms may reduce the risk of predation by responding to chemical cues from predators. Recent research shows that many species vary their antipredator response depending on diet predator. We examined responses three plethodontid salamander (Plethodoncinereus,Eurycea bislineata, and Desmognathus ochrophaeus) a shared snake predator (Thamnophis sirtalis). At time study, Eurycea bislineata showed overlap in habitat with Plethodon cinereus ochrophaeus, but ochrophaeus no one another. Each was presented snakes fed (TSDo), (TSEb), (TSPc). avoided both TSPc TSEb, whereas only TSEb. Conversely, did not avoid any predator, regardless snake. When we analyzed activity data, discovered higher levels when exposed than other cues. Individual treatments. Lastly, which were more active TSDo TSEb TSPc. These results show phylogenetically related prey employ variety behaviors suggest discrimination diet-cues be linked degree microhabitat among different at our study. Our study also highlights importance using multiple variables examining behavior.