Intricate covariation between exploration and avoidance learning in a generalist predator

Many predators avoid unprofitable prey by learning to use visual features of the prey as reliable indicators of quality. However, individual variation in avoidance learning is rarely examined in detail. It has been hypothesized that better avoidance learning ability might correlate with faster exploration tendency, but available data are limited in both quantity and scope. In this study, we examined the covariation between exploration, foraging decisions, and avoidance learning in a generalist lizard Eutropis multifasciata to test the prediction that faster explorers are also better avoidance learners. We also examined how sex, population, and color of unpalatable prey might mediate the exploration-avoidance learning covariation. We collected data on exploration and foraging behavior in individuals from two allopatric populations and quantified changes in foraging decisions over five daily learning trials, in which individuals were presented with normal- and bitter-tasting prey that..., ,