Curtin University Homepage
  • Library
  • Help
    • Admin

    espace - Curtin’s institutional repository

    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
    View Item 
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item

    A different kind of ecological modelling: the use of clay model organisms to explore predator–prey interactions in vertebrates

    Access Status
    Open access via publisher
    Authors
    Bateman, Bill
    Fleming, P.
    Wolfe, Ashleigh
    Date
    2017
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Bateman, B. and Fleming, P. and Wolfe, A. 2017. A different kind of ecological modelling: the use of clay model organisms to explore predator–prey interactions in vertebrates. Journal of Zoology. 301 (4): pp. 251-262.
    Source Title
    Journal of Zoology
    DOI
    10.1111/jzo.12415
    ISSN
    0952-8369
    School
    School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS)
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/63962
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    We review the use of clay models to explore questions about predation rates on small vertebrate taxa that are typically difficult to observe directly. The use of models has a relatively long history and we examine the range of taxa studied, which includes squamate reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Within this review, we have also included studies of model eggs, which are used in nest predation studies. We review the questions that have been asked and the interpretations arising from the data. The use of clay model animals has provided us with insights into how differences in prey morphology, size, and colour influence the rate at which they are attacked by predators. This allows us insights into the ecological, behavioural and evolutionary selective pressures of different predators on small vertebrate prey, including analysis of what characteristics predators target and how predators approach their prey (e.g. which part of the body is attacked). Further available interpretations include how regional and habitat variation influences predation events on models. We also briefly discuss the potential for clay models to study interspecific sociality and competition. Finally, we review the problems and limitations with the method and make some suggestions for further studies and amendments to help standardize this creative tool for ecological research.

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • Physiological and behavioural responses of Australian and exotic prey to the scent of native and introduced predators
      Mella, Valentina S. A. (2009)
      This study examined the physiological and behavioural effects of a stress-inducing stimulus (predator odour) on potential prey species (Australian native and exotic). The aim was to determine if differences in the response ...
    • Using molecular prey detection to quantify rock lobster predation on barrens-forming sea urchins
      Redd, K.; Ling, S.; Frusher, S.; Jarman, Simon; Johnson, C. (2014)
      We apply qPCR molecular techniques to detect in situ rates of consumption of sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii and Heliocidaris erythrogramma) by rock lobsters (Jasus edwardsii). A non-lethal method was used to source ...
    • Novel predation opportunities in anthropogenic landscapes
      Fleming, P.; Bateman, Bill (2018)
      Novel ecosystems (‘emerging ecosystems’) result when species occur in combinations and relative abundances that have not occurred previously within a given biome, due to deliberate or inadvertent human agency. Humans ...
    Advanced search

    Browse

    Communities & CollectionsIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument TypeThis CollectionIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument Type

    My Account

    Admin

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    Follow Curtin

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    CRICOS Provider Code: 00301JABN: 99 143 842 569TEQSA: PRV12158

    Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy statement | Accessibility

    Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.