2019 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
The effect of predator uncertainty on predation of mimetic prey
| Project/Area Number |
17K07565
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| Research Institution | Kyoto University |
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Principal Investigator |
Barnett Craig 京都大学, 理学研究科, 特定准教授 (40778411)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
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| Keywords | Ecology / Evolution / Predation / Mimicry |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In this experiment, I attempted to examine the predator uncertainty hypothesis. Over three field seasons, I visited Wellington, New Zealand to collect data in order to test two predictions which were: (i) increases in variability in the defences of mimetic prey (caused by increases in mimic frequencies) does not increase predation in the prey system at low mimic frequencies and (2) birds will prefer to eat prey with less variable levels of defence. Overall, I found support for both predictions and presently I am preparing this work in a manuscript for publication in an international journal.
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