How big are groups of prey if you asked a predator?

What is it about?

Predators typically decide to eat wherever food has the highest density. Estimating prey density requires estimating both the number of prey items and also the area or volume they inhabit. What perspective of size does a predator have when determining the area or volume? Are they comparing a 1 cm2 patch of prey to another? 10 cm2? 10 m2? As humans, we cannot assume we are viewing prey in the same sized groups as predators. This study experimentally determines the size grouping a predatory guppy is viewing its water flea prey by examining prey choices made with specifically designed prey groups.

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