Olfactory cues and the value of information: voles interpret cues based on recent predator encounters

摘要: Prey strategically respond to the risk of predation by varying their behavior while balancing tradeoffs food and safety. We present here an experiment that tests way same indirect cues are interpreted bank voles, Myodes glareolus, as game changes through exposure a caged weasel. Using optimal patch use, we asked wild-caught voles rank they perceived. measured response olfactory in form weasel bedding, sham control rabbit odor-free control. repeated interviews chronological order test change response, i.e., value information. found did not differentiate strongly between treatments pre-exposure During exposure, vole foraging activity was reduced all treatments, but proportionally increased vicinity odor. Post-exposure, focused control, predator explained majority variation response. Our data also suggested sex bias interpretation cues. Given how foragers changed based on external information, suggest applying simulation needs further testing. For instance, what possible effective compounds “fear” over time. The major conclusion is however may be, presence live predators overwhelmingly affects information gained from these In ecology, strategic animal senses its environment. suggesting existence weighed individual against probability encounter with perceived lethality predator. best documented such tenacity giving-up density. this paper, show cue smell interspecific competitor result different responses experience live-caged This work provides cautionary example making assumptions regarding devoid environmental context.