PREDATION RISK AND THE EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF REPRODUCTIVE-BEHAVIOR

A large literature exists on the effects of predation risk on foraging and survival-related behaviours. In contrast, with some notable excep tions, relatively few theoretical or experimental studies have examine d the effects of predation risk on reproductive behaviours. Existing l iterature on risk and reproductive behaviour and suggestion directions for future study are reviewed. In particular: (1) effects on predatio n risk on mating behaviour; (2) the influence of spatial patchiness on interactions between risk and reproductive behaviour; (3) the potenti al influence of multi-species interactions on the effects of predation risk on mating dynamics; (4) the importance of looking at sets of int er-related antipredator traits; and (5) some effects of predation risk on prey population patterns due to changes in prey reproductive behav iour are discussed. To illustrate various points examples involving fi sh and other aquatic organisms are used.