Abstract
Interactions between sub-groups (species, strains) have been reported in many species among many taxae. We propose a generic model based on earlier experiments accounting for both conspecific (or between individuals of the same strains) and heterospecific (or between strains) interactions. The model predicts different collective behaviours without any change of individuals’ algorithm as some key generic parameters such as the carrying capacity, the number of individuals involved and the strength of inter-attraction between sub-groups are varied. A key result is the possibility for sub-groups to segregate between patches and for transition between different patterns, even in absence of active agonistic behaviour. The model can be viewed as a network of feedbacks that is independent of the signals or cues involved in mixed groups interactions. Its predictions are therefore applicable to a wide spectrum of situations including social insects (inter castes interaction) and provides insights on possible mechanisms that can be at work.
Highlights
Interactions between sub-groups have been reported in many species among many taxae
We argue that the variety of the behaviours predicted according to three main parameters is sufficient to explain in terms of mechanisms the different patterns observed in heterospecific situations
We developed in this paper a mathematical model for aggregation and segregation of two sub-groups having to choose among two patches accounting for conspecific and heterospecific interactions and, more generally, for interactions between different sub-groups
Summary
Interactions between sub-groups (species, strains) have been reported in many species among many taxae. The model predicts different collective behaviours without any change of individuals’ algorithm as some key generic parameters such as the carrying capacity, the number of individuals involved and the strength of inter-attraction between sub-groups are varied. Many species from bacteria to higher vertebrates form groups more or less stable in time and space in response to environmental heterogeneities and to attraction between individuals[2]. These mutual interactions are mediated by information transfer between group members (signals or cues provided by other individuals) and are at the origin of amplification processes (positive feedbacks) via a variety of mechanisms of visual, mechanical or chemical nature[3]. Mixed-species associations are frequently observed in mammals[17,18], birds[19,20], fish[21] and arthropods[22,23] but the literature mainly addresses their functionality (e.g., their role against predation)[2,17,24] and only few studies are focusing on the mechanisms at their origin[5]
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