Prey-size selection, gape limitation and predator vulnerability in Australian blindsnakes (Typhlopidae)
Article Abstract:
Prey selection and dietary habits in Australian blindsnakes depend on the size of the snakes. Larger blindsnakes eat larger prey such as Myrmecia or bulldog ants. Juvenile blindsnakes are unable to ingest large larvae items due to gape limitation, and they are vulnerable to attacks from large Myrmecia workers. Medium-sized blindsnakes are able eat larger larvae and retaliate against attacking worker ants. This shows a correlation between predator size and prey size.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1993
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Heat, safety or solitude? Using habitat selection experiments to identify a lizard's priorities
Article Abstract:
The decision to select a retreat-site among male velvet geckos, Oedura lesueurii is defined by three interacting factors, predator avoidance, social advantages and thermal gains. These nocturnal geckos are highly selective in choosing their habitats. Predator avoidance is considered to be more important than the thermal benefits of the retreat site and social dominance influenced site selection where more dominant males gain access to more favorable sites.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1998
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Invasion and the evolution of speed in toads
Article Abstract:
The annual rate of progress of the toad invasion front has increased about fivefold since the toads first arrived. It is found that toads with longer legs can not only move faster and are the first to arrive in new areas, but also that those at the front have longer legs than toads in older populations.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2006
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