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Differing sensitivities to predation risk contribute to diversity by allowing similar organisms to coexist. Such is the case with the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis, and the least chipmunk, Tamias minimus. These sciurids are both abundant in the area surrounding the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Gunnison County, Colorado. Because of predation risk, T. minimus tends to forage closer to cover, while S. lateralis forages more efficiently farther from cover (Smith 1991). This phenomena was revisited to support the theory that these two species differ in sensitivities to predation risk. Meadows with various distances from cover were observed during the sciurids’ active hours. Most meadows with less than 14 meters from cover contained only T. minimus, and most meadows with equal to or greater than 14 meters from cover contained both T. minimus and S. lateralis, showing the importance of predation risk to species coexistence.
Knowledge graph centered on Testing predictions of the coexistence of golden-m with 22 nodes and 71 connections. Top connected: Climate change is affecting altitudinal migrants a, Atriplex canescens, small mammals, Spermophilus lateralis, focal animal sampling (Sciuridae).
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