Satiation effects in piscivore prey size selection

Abstract

Abstract – We present a functional response model that primarily evaluates effects of satiation in piscivore prey‐size selection. The model also includes other passive processes, such as prey‐size‐dependent encounter rate and prey‐size‐dependent capture success, where capture success decreases and encounter rate increases with prey size. The model generates a wide variety of outcomes, where small, intermediate or large prey is positively selected for. These very different selectivity patterns are generated without any active prey choice included in the model. The results stress the importance of controlling for satiation and other passive processes in empirical studies on prey‐size selection, especially if the aim is to test active prey choice in piscivores.