Predatory imminence continuum

Animals have many different tactics for defending themselves, depending on the severity of the threat they are encountering.[1] Stages of threat vary along a spectrum referred to as the "predatory imminence continuum," spanning from low-risk (pre-encounter) to high-risk (interaction) threats.[2][3] The main assumption of the predatory imminence continuum is that as threat levels increase, defensive response strategies change. During the pre-encounter period, an animal may engage in activities like exploration or foraging. But if the animal senses that a predator is nearby, the animal may begin to express species specific defense reactions such as freezing[4][5] in an attempt to avoid detection by the predator. However, in situations where a threat is imminent, once the animal is detected by its predator, freezing is no longer the optimal behavior for survival. At this point, the animal enters the circa-strike phase, where its behavior will transition from passive freezing to active flight, or even attack if escape is not possible.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Bolles RCF, Fanselow MS (1980) A perceptual-defensive-recuperative model of fear and pain. Behav Brain Sci 3:291–301.
  2. ↑ Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ (1969) Passive and active reactions to fear-eliciting stimuli. J Comp Physiol Psychol 68:129-135.
  3. ↑ Fanselow MS, Lester LS (1988) A functional behavioristic approach to aversively motivated behavior: Predatory imminence as a determinant of the topography of defensive behavior. In Evolution and Learning. Bolles RC, Beecher MD, Eds,; Earlbaum, Hillsdale NJ:185-211.
  4. ↑ Bolles RC (1970) Species-specific defense reactions and avoidance learning. Pyshol Rev 77:32-48.
  5. ↑ Blanchard DC, Blanchard RJ (1969) Crouching as an index of fear. J Comp Physiol Psychol 67:370-375.
  6. ↑ Fanselow MS, Lester LS (1988) A functional behavioristic approach to aversively motivated behavior: Predatory imminence as a determinant of the topography of defensive behavior. In Evolution and Learning. Bolles RC, Beecher MD, Eds,; Earlbaum, Hillsdale NJ:185-211.
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