Predation risk predicts use of a novel habitat

摘要: Predator – prey interactions are often highly co-evolved, with selection over time for morphological and behavioral traits that minimize predation risk. Consequently, in many environments choose among potential habitats according to their refuge value. It is unclear, however, when presented new habitats, if able evaluate the risk of these relative familiar utilize accordance We tested whether, along east coast USA, native mud crabs Panopeus herbstii non-native alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla its Experiments examining by blue Callinectes sapidus on revealed had an intermediate value oysters, which were most protective, unvegetated sediment, was least. In subsequent choice experiments, selected oysters habitat values. Further, fi eld use inversely related proximity preferred type, reduced presence a crab predator. utilizing Th e vs habitat-forming species may provide baseline expectation against measure speed learning opportunism response novel protective habitats.