The possible role of predator–prey dynamics as an influence on early hominin use of burned landscapes

摘要: Foraging in burned areas has been suggested to represent the earliest stage use and control of fire by early hominins. Recently offer immediate foraging benefits including increased search efficiency for high-ranked food items decreased hunting opportunities ambush predators. As such, they provide a triple-bonus (reduced risk from ambush, ease terrestrial travel higher returns) some primates. However, previous studies have not yet accounted other types predators e.g., coursing (endurance that can pursue prey over long distances) which were sympatric with hominins may also exploited these environments. Behavioral ecology on landscapes extant carnivores demonstrate while avoid recently areas, do take advantage their opportunities. Research examining habitat selection animals under simultaneous threat multiple predator species different modes hunting, diversity Plio-Pleistocene carnivore guild is suggestive two possible evolutionary scenarios could either selected or avoided (3-2 mya), based whether perceived as presenting greatest risk.