Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, University of Colombo, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka.
Trends Ecol Evol. 2010 Jun;25(6):354-61. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2010.01.002. Epub 2010 Feb 10.
Acquiring information from the cues and signals of other species of the same trophic level is widespread among animals, and can help individuals exploit resources and avoid predators. But can such interspecific information transfer also influence the spatial structure of species within communities? Whereas some species use heterospecific information without changing their position, we review research that indicates that heterospecific information is a driving factor in the formation or maintenance of temporary or stable mixed-species groups. Heterospecific information can also influence the organization of such groups, including leadership. Further, animals sometimes select habitats using heterospecific information. We survey interspecific information transfer, and evaluate the morphological, ecological and behavioral factors that make some species information sources and others information seekers.
动物之间广泛存在从同一营养级的其他物种的线索和信号中获取信息的现象，这有助于个体利用资源和躲避捕食者。但是，这种种间信息传递是否也会影响群落中物种的空间结构呢？虽然有些物种在不改变自身位置的情况下利用同种信息，但我们的研究表明，同种信息是形成或维持临时性或稳定性混合物种群体的驱动因素。同种信息也会影响这些群体的组织，包括领导地位。此外，动物有时会利用同种信息选择栖息地。我们调查了种间信息传递，并评估了使某些物种成为信息源而另一些物种成为信息寻求者的形态、生态和行为因素。
