Explain how aggregation is likely to result in a greater likelihood of survival for schooling fish in the presence of a predator.
Question: Explain how aggregation is likely to result in a greater likelihood of survival for schooling fish in the presence of a predator.
Aggregation is a general term for any collection of fish that have gathered together in some locality. Schooling is a specific type of aggregation where fish swim in the same direction in a coordinated manner. Schooling fish can gain several benefits from aggregation, such as:
- Better orientation: Schooling fish can use the cues from their neighbors to navigate and orient themselves in complex environments.
- Synchronized hunting: Schooling fish can cooperate to find and capture prey more efficiently. ²
- Predator confusion: Schooling fish can create a visual illusion that makes it harder for predators to single out and attack individual fish.
- Reduced risk of being found: Schooling fish can reduce their individual detectability by diluting their odors and sounds among the group.
- Increased hydrodynamic efficiency: Schooling fish can save energy by taking advantage of the wakes and vortices generated by their neighbors within the school.
Therefore, aggregation is likely to result in a greater likelihood of survival for schooling fish in the presence of a predator, as it enhances their sensory, behavioral, and physiological abilities.
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