# Prey detection By [Rengouku](https://paragraph.com/@rengouku) ยท 2023-05-30 --- Evolutionary struggle and prey defenses --------------------------------------- Prey have adaptations such as [cryptic coloration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camouflage) in this [Alaskan hare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaskan_hare) which help them [avoid predators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipredator_adaptation). nft://137/0x52297344A24f8a348F13632c5FbD360540673470/?showBuying=true&showMeta=true _Main article:_ [_Antipredator adaptation_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipredator_adaptation) Predators are in an [evolutionary arms race](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_arms_race) with their prey, for which advantageous mutations are constantly preserved by [natural selection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection). In turn, predators, too, are subject to such [selective pressure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_pressure), those most successful in locating prey passing on their genes in greater number to the next generation's [gene pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_pool). Adaptations of prey that allow them to avoid predators are widespread, those that make them hard to find being collectively known as [crypsis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypsis). Crypsis may involve temporal evasion such as [nocturnality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnality), behavioral methods such as hiding, and non-behavioral adaptations such as [camouflage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camouflage). [Antipredator adaptations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipredator_adaptation) include methods other than crypsis, such as [aposematism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aposematism) and the ability to fight. Often behavioral and passive characteristics are combined; for example, a prey animal may look similar to and behave like its hunter's own predator (see [mimicry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimicry)). Prey detection using different senses ------------------------------------- There are a variety of methods used to detect prey. Sensory systems used include the [visual system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_system), [olfactory system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olfactory_system) (smell), [auditory system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_system) (hearing) and the [somatosensory system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatosensory_system) (such as touch). Some predators may use all of these senses in pinpointing their prey, while others may depend mainly or entirely on a single one. Detection methods may also be divided into direct detection of the prey organism itself, and indirect clues, such as the smell of its urine. ### Visual Experiments on [blue jays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_jay) suggest they form a search image for certain prey. Visual predators may form what is termed a **search image** of certain prey. Predators need not locate their host directly: [Kestrels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kestrel), for instance, are able to detect the [faeces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faeces) and [urine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urine) of their prey (which reflect [ultraviolet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet)), allowing them to identify areas where there are large numbers of voles, for example. This adaptation is essential in prey detection, as voles are quick to hide from such predators.[\[1\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_detection#cite_note-1) In experimental settings, animals have demonstrated **perceptual switching**: visual predator would form a searching image of the most abundant [cryptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypsis) prey species in their environment; as the species is more predated, its number would decrease and the search image for that species would be less useful to the predator; the predator would then switch to a search image of a prey that became more abundant.[\[2\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_detection#cite_note-2) ### Chemical For many animals the chemical senses are far more important than vision or hearing. Some specialist predatory [beetle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetle)(s) can locate their [bark beetle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark_beetle) prey using the [pheromones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheromone) their targets secrete. Pheromones that are exploited by an enemy like this are called [kairomones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kairomone).[\[3\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_detection#cite_note-3) ### Auditory Some predators rely mainly on [sound](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound) cues to detect prey. In [nocturnal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnality) predators non-visual clues are especially important. The [barn owl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barn_owl) (_Tyto alba_) relies on noises made by prey, and can locate prey animals with great precision. [Bats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat) have the added capability of [echolocation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_echolocation) to locate prey like flying insects; they can therefore locate prey even if they make no sound.[\[4\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_detection#cite_note-4) --- *Originally published on [Rengouku](https://paragraph.com/@rengouku/prey-detection)*