Data from: Lönnstedt OM, McCormick MI, Chivers DP (2013) Predator-induced changes in the growth of eyes and false eyespots. Scientific Reports 3: 2259

Full description

Data from: Lönnstedt OM, McCormick MI, Chivers DP (2013) Predator-induced changes in the growth of eyes and false eyespots. Scientific Reports 3: 2259.

Consists of an Excel dataset for one laboratory experiment with a field assessment of survival.

Abstract [Related publication]: The animal world is full of brilliant colours and striking patterns that serve to hide individuals or attract the attention of others. False eyespots are pervasive across a variety ofanimal taxa and are among nature’s most conspicuous markings. Understanding the adaptive significance of eyespots has long fascinated evolutionary ecologists. Here we show for the first time that the size of eyespots is plastic and increases upon exposure to predators. Associated with the growth of eyespots there is a corresponding reduction in growth of eyes in juvenile Ambon damselfish, Pomacentrusamboinensis. These morphological changes likely direct attacks away from the head region. Exposure to predators also induced changes in prey behaviour and morphology. Such changes could prevent or deter attacks and increase burst speed, aiding in escape. Damselfish exposed to predators had drastically higher survival suffering only 10% mortality while controls suffered 60% mortality 72 h after release.

The full methodology is available in the Open Access publication from the Related Publications link below.

Notes

This dataset is available as a spreadsheet in MS Excel (.xlsx) and Open Document formats (.ods)