In a thrilling endeavor through the forests of Quebec, Université Laval ecologist David Bolduc immerses himself in a game of predator-prey, seeking to grasp the intricate dynamics between hunters and the hunted in nature. Alongside colleagues and international students, Bolduc convened at the Éco-Laurentides park near Val-Morin to partake in this simulation.
The game, as described by Bolduc to As It Happens host Nil Köksal, revolves around a simple premise – survival or demise. Although figurative, the participants engaged in tag-like scenarios to emulate the predator-prey interplay observed in wildlife.
Published in the open-access journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution, their research highlighted how humans mirror animals in survival strategies, akin to wolves or deer. While lauded for its innovative approach to studying ecosystems, caution was advised regarding its limitations in extrapolating conclusions to real wildlife scenarios where life-and-death situations prevail.
Conducted in July 2023, the experiment categorized participants into prey, mesopredators, and apex predators to mimic various roles in the food chain. The prey focused on acquiring resources, reproducing within their group, and evading predators, while the latter aimed to capture prey for sustenance.
Bolduc emphasized the game’s utility in studying predator-prey dynamics, offering a more realistic alternative to mathematical models and a more controllable environment than field observations. However, researchers underscored the necessity of corroborating findings through real-world wildlife observations.
External scientists commended the initiative, acknowledging it as a novel and enjoyable method to explore animal behaviors. While drawing parallels between human and animal behaviors, they cautioned against overlooking inherent human biases and the absence of life-threatening consequences in the game.
Ultimately, the predator-prey game served as an enlightening educational tool, fostering engaging discussions on ecological theory and animal behavior among participants. Bolduc highlighted its role in enhancing understanding and appreciation of ecological principles in a fresh and enjoyable manner.