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Science 30 June 1967:
Vol. 156. no. 3783, pp. 1767 - 1768
DOI: 10.1126/science.156.3783.1767
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Articles

Erratic Display as a Device against Predators

D. A. Humphries 1 and P. M. Driver 2

1 Ethology Laboratory, Uffculme Clinic, Birmingham 13, England
2 Mental Health Research Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Prey animals in many different taxonomic groups behave erratically when attacked by predators. This reaction is not accidental, but acts as a specific antipredator device. Observational data and theoretical considerations indicate that such protean displays function to confuse and disorient the predator and to increase its reaction time. Thus the survival of the prey is assisted, and the selective advntage whereby such erratic patterns of the prey animals may have evolved is created.


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