When is general wariness favored in avoiding multiple predator types

摘要: Adaptive responses to predation are generally studied assuming only one predator type exists, but most prey species depredated by multiple types. When types occur, the optimal antipredator response level may be determined solely prob- ability of attack relevant predator: "specific responsiveness." Conversely, an increase in probability might responsiveness alternative type: "general wariness." We formulate a mathematical model which animal perceives cue providing information on two being present. It can perform evasive behaviors that vary their suitability as "wrong" type. show general wariness is when in- correct behavioral decisions have differential fitness costs. Counter- intuitively, difficulty discriminating between does not favor wariness. predict where pred- ator mutually exclusive (e.g., referential alarm-calling), spe- cific will occur; we suggest generalize defensive based similarity due assumption utility; and predict, with relevance conservation, habituation human disturbance should ators elicit same humans.