Predatory Fish Select for Coordinated Collective Motion in Virtual Prey

Abstract

Evolving Group Formation Grouping behavior in prey species has long been thought to constitute an adaptation against predation; however, it has been difficult to characterize the mechanisms by which predator selection shapes prey movement and grouping behavior. Using an approach that combines the selection imposed by a live predator, the bluegill sunfish, with manipulation of computer-generated “prey,” Ioannou et al. (p. 1212 , published online 16 August; see the Perspective by Romey ) show that “prey” that behave as a group are more likely to survive that those that move in other ways.