What Causes Variation in Functional Response Parameters?

Abstract

The parameters of the functional response are not traits. They represent processes such as hunting and digesting prey. Thus, all the traits that influence the way predators and prey encounter each other in space and the morphologies and behaviors that influence capture, evasion, or digestion are all potential sources of variation in the functional response parameters. In this chapter, I cover how we break the parameters down mathematically so that the connection between the parameters and traits is more transparent. I review the empirical evidence for the dependence of functional response parameters on phenotypic traits, temperature, and habitats, and I showcase some examples of these effects.