RESUBMISSION Understanding predator-prey signaling interactions: the dynamics of antisnake displays in ground squirrels and kangaroo rats

当面对掠食者时，许多动物会进行长时间的、引人注目的展示。这些反捕食者的信号通常被认为是警报呼叫，其功能是警告其他个体关于捕食者。然而，最近的研究表明，许多这些反捕食者的展示实际上可能是试图与捕食者本身进行交流。目前，很少有人知道的功能和进化的两个敌对方之间的沟通，如捕食者和猎物。本计画将借由观察小型哺乳动物在遭遇响尾蛇时的表现，来检验几种关于捕食者与猎物沟通功能的假说。研究人员将使用视频监控设备和无线电遥测技术来记录响尾蛇和小型哺乳动物之间的自然互动。他们还将设计生物机器人动物模型，可以重新创建实验“回放”显示的关键元素。这种回放方法将使研究人员能够研究小型哺乳动物使用的特定行为如何改变蛇的觅食行为，并将首次对捕食者-猎物通信理论的关键预测进行实验研究。这个项目将提供新的见解诚实的动物交流，对抗共同进化，以及接收器的感觉系统在塑造信号行为的作用。在基础生物科学之外的更广泛影响方面，该项目将（1）建立生态学家和机械工程师之间的合作，以开发用于动物行为研究的下一代机器人技术;（2）增加代表性不足的少数民族在科学研究中的参与;（3）通过讲座、流行文章、广播和纪录片开展公共宣传;以及，（4）为几名本科生和研究生提供指导。

When confronted with predators, many animals engage in lengthy, conspicuous displays. These antipredator signals are often assumed to be alarm calls that function to warn other individuals about the predator. However, recent research has shown that many of these anti-predator displays may actually be an attempt to communicate with the predator itself. Currently, little is known concerning the function and evolution of communication between two antagonistic parties, like predators and prey. This project will examine several hypotheses about the function of predator-prey communication by focusing on displays given by small mammals when they encounter rattlesnakes. The investigators will use video surveillance equipment and radio telemetry to document natural interactions between rattlesnakes and small mammals in the field. They will also design biorobotic animal models that can recreate key elements of the displays for experimental "playbacks". This playback approach will allow researchers to examine how specific behaviors used by small mammals may modify snake foraging behavior, and will provide the first experimental examination of key predictions derived from predator-prey communication theory. This project will provide novel insights into honesty in animal communication, antagonistic coevolution, and the role of receiver sensory systems in shaping signaling behavior. In terms of broader impacts beyond basic biological science, this project will (1) establish collaborations between ecologists and mechanical engineers to develop next-generation robotic technologies for the study of animal behavior; (2) increase participation of underrepresented minorities in research science; (3) develop public outreach through lectures, popular articles, radio, and documentary films; and, (4) provide mentoring for several undergraduate and graduate students.