A tendency for predators to aggregate in areas where prey are abundant, and the presence of parasitoids and pathogens in large social groups may serve to weaken the antipredator benefit of
A) alarm signaling.
B) mobbing.
C) pronouncements of vigilance.
D) the dilution effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dilution effect refers to the decreased risk of predation to any single individual as a result of being in a larger group. However, when predators aggregate in areas where prey are abundant, or when parasitoids and pathogens spread more easily in large groups, the benefits of being in a large group (such as the dilution effect) can be weakened. This is because the increased presence of predators or the spread of disease can offset the reduced risk of predation per individual.

A Tendency for Predators to Aggregate in Areas Where Prey