Data from: Fear of predation shapes social network structure and the acquisition of foraging information in guppy shoals

Spatio-temporal variation in predation risk is predicted to select for
plastic anti-predator responses, which may in turn impact the fine-scale
social structure of prey groups and processes mediated by that structure.
To test these predictions, we manipulated the ambient predation risk
experienced by Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) groups before
quantifying their social networks and recording individual latencies to
approach and solve a novel foraging task. High-risk conditions drove the
formation of social networks that were more strongly assorted by body size
than those exposed to low ambient risk and promoted longer durations of
contact between preferred partners. Additionally, high background
predation risk reduced the probability individuals would approach and
solve a novel foraging task. Network-based diffusion analysis revealed
that while social transmission of the task solution from knowledgeable to
naive individuals occurred at a higher rate within low-risk groups,
individuals in high-risk groups were particularly likely to investigate
the task while shoaling with preferred social partners. Taken together,
our results suggest that the structure and functional importance of prey
social networks may partly depend on local predation pressure.
Furthermore, by influencing individuals' access to information, fear
of predation may impact decision-making in a potentially wide array of
behavioural contexts.