PREDATION

Predator-Prey Interaction

Co-evolved relationship where predator tactics and prey defenses shape each other through natural selection.

Ambush Predation

Sitting and waiting for prey; prey respond with vigilance or distraction.

Search and Pursuit Predation

Predator searches for prey and chases vulnerable individuals; prey respond by hiding or escaping.

Cooperative Hunting

Group hunting strategy used to take down large or agile prey; seen in wolves, lions, African wild dogs.

Morphological Defenses

Physical structures such as armor, quills, and spines that deter generalist predators.

Cryptic Coloration (Crypsis)

Color patterns that allow animals to blend into surroundings to avoid detection.

Countershading

Dark dorsal and light ventral coloration that reduces visible shadows and aids camouflage.

Disruptive Coloration

Patterns that break up body outline and confuse predators' edge detection.

Seasonal Camouflage

Color changes corresponding with environment (e.g., snowshoe hares).

Aposematic Coloration

Bright, conspicuous coloration warning predators of toxicity or defense.

Chemical Defenses

Sprays, venoms, and secretions used to repel, harm, or confuse predators.

Distraction Displays

Behaviors that divert predator attention away from vulnerable individuals.

Confusion Effect

Large groups make it harder for predators to track and target individuals.

Behavioral Camouflage

Altering activity patterns or habitat use to avoid predators (e.g., nocturnality, burrowing).

Evasion (Flight)

Outrunning or outmaneuvering predators; effectiveness depends on prey speed, stamina, and distance from refuge.

Communal Defense

Group-based strategies such as mobbing or defensive formations.

Stotting

Jumping display in gazelles; may signal fitness (pursuit deterrence), confuse predators, or warn group members.

Predator Search Image

Mental representation predators form of common prey types, improving efficiency of detecting and capturing them.

Generalist Predator

Predator that feeds on a wide variety of prey species; prey morphological defenses most effective against them.

Specialist Predator

Predator that targets a narrow range of prey; often evolves specific capture strategies.

Quills vs. Spines

Quills are modified hairs coated with keratin; spines are rigid keratin structures; both deter predators.

Cervical Spines

Specialized neck spines in animals like pottos used to head-butt predators.

Background Matching

Type of camouflage where coloration closely resembles environment (rocks, leaves, snow).

Motionless Behavior

Prey freeze to avoid detection by predators that detect movement.

Predator Edge Detectors

Visual systems of predators tuned to sharp outlines; disruptive coloration interferes with these detectors.

Reverse Countershading

Pattern increasing contrast rather than reducing it (e.g., skunks) used as warning coloration.

Noxious Chemical Secretions

Chemicals emitted that cause irritation, odor, or pain (e.g., skunks, polecats).

Non-Noxious Secretions

Harmless chemicals used for distraction or escape (e.g., pygmy sperm whale ink).

Venomous Mammals

Mammals capable of delivering venom, including slow loris, shrews, solenodons, and platypus.

Bluff Displays

Behaviors that exaggerate size or threat, like raised hair or tail slapping, used to deter predators.

Feigning Death

A last-resort behavior (thanatosis) where animals appear dead to reduce predator interest.

Flagging Behavior

Flashing of conspicuous tail patterns to distract predators or signal awareness.

Breakaway Tail Defense

Ability of some small mammals to shed tail skin or parts to escape capture.

Group Size and Confusion

Larger group sizes reduce individual predation risk by overwhelming predator focus.

Non-Visual Predator Avoidance

Use of sound, smell, or tactile cues to evade predators; includes scent-masking and quiet locomotion.

Erratic Flight

Sudden, unpredictable movement patterns making it harder for predators to track prey.

Mobbing Behavior

Collective harassment of predator to drive it away, often used by ground squirrels, birds, and primates.

Zebra Stripe Hypothesis – Camouflage

Stripes may break up outline in tall grass, making it harder for predators to focus.

Zebra Stripe Hypothesis – Confusion

Stripes may confuse predators during group movement, making targeting a single individual harder.

Zebra Stripe Hypothesis – Misjudged Jump

Stripes may cause leaping predators to inaccurately judge distance and angle of attack.

Zebra Stripe Hypothesis – Social Benefits

Stripes may help individuals recognize each other or maintain group cohesion.

Zebra Stripe Hypothesis – Pest Protection

Stripes may deter biting flies and parasites.

Non-visual Predator Detection

Predators may rely on olfactory, tactile, or auditory cues when visual camouflage is ineffective.

Chewed Skin Scent Masking

California ground squirrels chew rattlesnake skin and lick themselves to mask scent from predators.

Anointing Behavior

Animals like hedgehogs and rats apply strong-smelling substances to mask or alter their scent to avoid predators.

Breakaway Tail Mechanism

Some small mammals shed part of their tail when grabbed, allowing escape.