Citation

Stotting in Thomson's gazelles: An honest signal of condition

Clare D. FitzGibbon, John H. Fanshawe

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (1988)

TL;DR

Stotting is pursuit-deterrent signaling

Demonstrates that gazelle stotting behavior is an honest signal of fitness to predators. Cheetahs selectively abandon pursuit of stotting gazelles, showing receivers respond adaptively to honest signals.

Key Findings from FitzGibbon & Fanshawe (1988)

  • Stotting is pursuit-deterrent signaling
  • Only fit gazelles can afford to stot
  • Predators respond by selecting easier prey

Related Mechanisms for Stotting in Thomson's gazelles: An honest signal of condition

Handicap Principle Costly Signals

Related Organisms for Stotting in Thomson's gazelles: An honest signal of condition

Thomson's Gazelle Cheetah

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