Abstract
We examined the effect of prey vulnerability on the prey choice behaviour of the turtle Phrynops gibbus in a series of laboratory experiments using two sizes and states (mobile and immobile) of prey. Our results suggest that prey vulnerability (ease of capture) alters the apparent choice of prey by these turtles. When vulnerability was low, turtles consumed significantly more small prey and when vulnerability was high they consumed significantly more large prey exhibiting what has been respectively referred to in the foraging literature as passive and active prey choice. We suggest that the distinction between passive and active prey choice may be misleading and that the interaction between forager behaviour and prey antipredator behaviour should be considered in studies of nonrandom predator diets.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
