Prey are known to change their behaviors in the presence of predators. They might reduce foraging, change habitat use, or increase their defenses (i.e. venom production) in an effort to avoid being eaten. Some of these methods can be energetically costly and, therefore, prey need to know that the signals they receive are accurate and up-to-date.

Scientific modeling allows researchers to examine these big picture issues without the costs and resources required for large-scale experiments. Professor Geoffrey Trussell, in a recent collaboration with Barney Luttbeg that was published by The University of Chicago Press, developed a model to examine how prey estimate predation risks and then react. The model showed that prey rely on recent experience to interpret reliable cues from lower densities of predators. In this case, the prey were more likely to change their behavior and therefore decrease the consumption effects of predators.