Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
9
Published: Nov. 11, 2021
The
assessment
of
relative
model
performance
using
information
criteria
like
AIC
and
BIC
has
become
routine
among
functional-response
studies,
reflecting
trends
in
the
broader
ecological
literature.
Such
allow
comparison
across
diverse
models
because
they
penalize
each
model's
fit
by
its
parametric
complexity—in
terms
their
number
free
parameters—which
allows
simpler
to
outperform
similarly
fitting
higher
complexity.
However,
do
not
consider
an
additional
form
complexity,
referred
as
geometric
which
relates
specifically
mathematical
model.
Models
equivalent
complexity
can
differ
thereby
ability
flexibly
data.
Here
we
use
Fisher
Information
Approximation
compare,
explain,
contextualize
how
varies
a
large
compilation
single-prey
models—including
prey-,
ratio-,
predator-dependent
formulations—reflecting
varying
apparent
degrees
forms
non-linearity.
Because
with
data's
underlying
experimental
design,
also
sought
determine
designs
are
best
at
leveling
playing
field
models.
Our
analyses
illustrate
(1)
differences
that
exist
models,
(2)
there
is
no
design
minimize
these
all
(3)
even
qualitative
nature
some
more
or
less
flexible
than
others
reversed
changes
design.
Failure
appreciate
flexibility
empirical
evaluation
may
therefore
lead
biased
inferences
for
predator–prey
ecology,
particularly
low
sample
sizes
where
impact
strongest.
We
conclude
discussing
statistical
epistemological
challenges
poses
study
functional
responses
it
attainment
biological
truth
predictive
ability.
Scientific Reports,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
11(1)
Published: March 24, 2021
Abstract
Understanding
the
factors
governing
predation
remains
a
top
priority
in
ecology.
Using
dragonfly
nymph-tadpole
system,
we
experimentally
varied
predator
density,
prey
and
species
ratio
to
investigate:
(i)
whether
interference
varies
between
types
that
differ
palatability,
(ii)
adding
alternate
influences
magnitude
of
interference,
(iii)
patterns
selection
vary
according
predictions
optimal
diet
theory.
In
single-prey
foraging
trials,
palatable
leopard
frog
tadpoles
was
limited
by
availability
whereas
unpalatable
toad
handling
time.
Adding
did
not
affect
predator’s
kill
rate
prey,
but
presence
increased
influence
density
on
reduced
Prey
change
with
shifts
relative
abundance
types.
Instead,
predators
selected
easy-to-capture
at
low
total
densities
harder-to-capture
high
densities.
These
results
improve
our
understanding
generalist
communities
mobile
illustrate
characteristics
involved
govern
extent
which
rate.
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
10
Published: March 18, 2022
Empirical
observations
and
an
analogy
with
the
history
of
ballistics
illuminate
ongoing
debate
about
default
choice
for
types
functional
responses,
based
on
consumer
interference.
The
two
ideal
views
interference
are:
(1)
There
is
no
direct
mutual
among
consumers
(“prey-dependence”),
(2)
Consumers
show
strong
interference,
response
depending
number
prey
per
(“ratio-dependence”).
Each
these
minimal-information
concepts
are
what
we
refer
to
as
“root”
models,
limited
accuracy
in
themselves,
but
they
base
upon
which
erect
complex
models
specific,
real-world
cases.
We
argue
that
ratio
dependent
view
coincides
more
naturally
way
model
dynamics
any
population,
taken
alone
it
consistent
empirical
observations.
Both
root
often
will
give
“wrong
answer”
when
applied
directly
real
world
Nevertheless,
one
may
be
“less
wrong”
than
other.
This
not
unlike
developments
400
years
ago
physics,
competed
ballistics.
Galileo’s
demonstration
trajectory
a
projectile
parabola
eventually
replaced
had
been
dominant
since
Aristotle.
ballistic
inaccurate
presence
air
friction,
parabolic
is,
overall,
less
wrong.
ratio-dependent
model,
like
trajectory,
therefore
natural
from
start
thinking
consumer-resource
interaction
developing
elaborate
models.
