Assume you have an experimental model with a prey and a predator species (e.g. two insects) in your laboratory. What are the major questions awaiting for replies out there?
There is much in the literature about the direct (consumptive) and indirect (non-consumptive) effects of predators on prey, but I still think there's much to learn about the relative importance of direct and indirect effects of predators on prey behavior and mortality. This is general, of course...I'll give some thought to other specifics as well.
I love these kinds of questions, as they allow us all to share ideas and quickly identify the current "big questions" in particular fields. Excellent post!
Ehi come on guys, I would have expected a massive response to this topic !!
Direct and indirect effects on population stability? Functional / numerical responses? Intraspecific competition among predators? What about prey selectivity? Predatory responses to prey availability? ... any more ideas? Any more specific ideas? How would you design an experiment?
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