Eavesdropping predators impose strong selective pressure on prey communication systems. Signalers have evolved numerous anti-predator strategies to mitigate the tradeoff between predator detection and conspecific communication. Knowledge of anti-predatory strategies in the context of communication is needed to recognize patterns of strategies to solve this trade-off and ultimately understand the evolution of communication systems. Antagonistic selection from predators on their prey’s communication system can modulate signaling strategies, shape signal structure and affect population dynamics. Drawing on diverse research from a range of taxa and sensory modalities, our symposium combines the expertise of established researchers with new perspectives in the field. We cover a range of research, drawing on both traditional and cutting-edge experimental approaches, as well as conceptual studies that synthesize research to date and shed light on the future directions of the field. Ultimately the aim of this Research Topic is to develop a framework that integrates the strategies used by signalers to communicate under the pressure imposed by eavesdropping predators and parasites
Eavesdropping predators impose strong selective pressure on prey communication systems. Signalers have evolved numerous anti-predator strategies to mitigate the tradeoff between predator detection and conspecific communication. Knowledge of anti-predatory strategies in the context of communication is needed to recognize patterns of strategies to solve this trade-off and ultimately understand the evolution of communication systems. Antagonistic selection from predators on their prey’s communication system can modulate signaling strategies, shape signal structure and affect population dynamics. Drawing on diverse research from a range of taxa and sensory modalities, our symposium combines the expertise of established researchers with new perspectives in the field. We cover a range of research, drawing on both traditional and cutting-edge experimental approaches, as well as conceptual studies that synthesize research to date and shed light on the future directions of the field. Ultimately the aim of this Research Topic is to develop a framework that integrates the strategies used by signalers to communicate under the pressure imposed by eavesdropping predators and parasites