TY - JOUR
T1 - Interspecific information transfer influences animal community structure
AU - Goodale, Eben
AU - Beauchamp, Guy
AU - Magrath, Robert D.
AU - Nieh, James C.
AU - Ruxton, Graeme D.
PY - 2010/6
Y1 - 2010/6
N2 - Acquiring information from the cues and signals of other species of the same trophic level is widespread among animals, and can help individuals exploit resources and avoid predators. But can such interspecific information transfer also influence the spatial structure of species within communities? Whereas some species use heterospecific information without changing their position, we review research that indicates that heterospecific information is a driving factor in the formation or maintenance of temporary or stable mixed-species groups. Heterospecific information can also influence the organization of such groups, including leadership. Further, animals sometimes select habitats using heterospecific information. We survey interspecific information transfer, and evaluate the morphological, ecological and behavioral factors that make some species information sources and others information seekers.
AB - Acquiring information from the cues and signals of other species of the same trophic level is widespread among animals, and can help individuals exploit resources and avoid predators. But can such interspecific information transfer also influence the spatial structure of species within communities? Whereas some species use heterospecific information without changing their position, we review research that indicates that heterospecific information is a driving factor in the formation or maintenance of temporary or stable mixed-species groups. Heterospecific information can also influence the organization of such groups, including leadership. Further, animals sometimes select habitats using heterospecific information. We survey interspecific information transfer, and evaluate the morphological, ecological and behavioral factors that make some species information sources and others information seekers.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77954651383&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tree.2010.01.002
DO - 10.1016/j.tree.2010.01.002
M3 - Review article
SN - 0169-5347
VL - 25
SP - 354
EP - 361
JO - Trends in Ecology and Evolution
JF - Trends in Ecology and Evolution
IS - 6
ER -