In: Biology
In order to effectively avoid the predators preys use several cues, so that they can identify the presence of a predator. Many species of preys rely on the presence of multiple cues to assess the level of predatory threat.
The cues that are used by predators are visual, chemical, auditory and tactile.
Visual cues: presence of a novel structure or sudden movement. The predator's size, shape and color. Predator's action like whether it is in feeding condition or approaching condition.
Chemical cues: Predator's general and species specific chemical signals. Chemicals in urine and skin lipids may be used to identify the identity of the presence of potential predators. Chemosensory cues present in the air, water and on the ground. Olfactory and gustatory cues of the preys. Changes in the concentration and age of a scent of the predator that helps to identify the age of the predator and its travelling direction.
Auditory cues : The sound of the nocturnal predators is used as the major cue by the nearby preys.
Tactile cues : Vibrational cues and physical contact.