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

当面对捕食者时，许多动物会进行漫长而引人注目的展示。这些反捕食者的信号通常被认为是警告其他个体注意捕食者的警报。然而，最近的研究表明，许多这些反捕食者的表现实际上可能是试图与捕食者本身交流。目前，关于捕食者和猎物等敌对双方之间交流的功能和进化，人们知之甚少。该项目将通过关注小型哺乳动物在遇到响尾蛇时所表现出的表现，来检验几种关于捕食者-猎物交流功能的假设。调查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野外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，可以重现展示的关键元素，用于实验性的“回放”。这种回放方法将使研究人员能够研究小型哺乳动物的特定行为如何改变蛇的觅食行为，并将为从捕食者-猎物交流理论中得出的关键预测提供第一个实验检验。该项目将为动物交流中的诚实、对抗性协同进化以及接收器感觉系统在形成信号行为中的作用提供新的见解。就基础生物科学以外的更广泛影响而言，该项目将(1)建立生态学家和机械工程师之间的合作，开发用于研究动物行为的下一代机器人技术；(2)增加代表性不足的少数民族在科研中的参与；（三）通过讲座、科普文章、广播、纪录片等形式开展公众宣传；(4)为多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.