Why are predator urines aversive to prey?
Published Jul 1, 1994 · Dale L. Nolte, J. Russell Mason, G. Epple
Journal of Chemical Ecology
203
Citations
8
Influential Citations
Abstract
Predator odors often repel prey species. In the present experiments, we investigated whether changes in the diet of a predator, the coyote (Canis latrans) would affect the repellency of its urine. Furthermore, because predator odors have a high sulfur content, reflecting large amounts of meat in the diet, we investigated the contribution of sulfurous odors to repellency. Our results were consistent with the hypothesis that diet composition and sulfurous metabolites of meat digestion are important for the repellency of predator odors to potential prey.
Study Snapshot
Key takeawayDiet composition and sulfurous metabolites of meat digestion significantly impact the repellency of predator urines to potential prey species.
PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)
Sample size24
MethodsObservational
OutcomesBody Mass Index projections
ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.