Transgenerational predator recognition through parental effects

Data for research demonstrating transgenerational recognition of a specific predator in a coral reef damselfish.Abstract [Related Publication]: 1. In highly biodiverse systems, such as coral reefs, prey species are faced with predatory threats from numerous species. Recognition of predators can be innate, or learned, and can help increase the chance of survival. 2. Research suggests that parental exposure to increased predatory threats can affect the development, behaviour, and ultimately, success of their offspring. 3. Breeding pairs of damselfish (Acanthochromis polyacanthus) were subjected to one of three olfactory and visual treatments (predator, herbivore, or control), and their developing embryos were subsequently exposed to five different chemosensory cues. 4. Analyses of embryonic heart rates showed that predator-treated parents passed down relevant threat information to their offspring, through parental effects. 5. This is the first time transgenerational recognition of a specific predator has been confirmed in any species. This phenomenon could influence predator-induced mortality rates and enable populations to adaptively respond to fluctuations in predator composition and environmental changes. The full methodology is available in the Open Access publication from the Related Publications link below