Editing Anti-predator adaptation (section)

===Pursuit-deterrent signals===

{{further |Signalling theory}}

[[File:Stotting gazelle.jpg |thumb |An [[impala]] [[stotting]], [[signalling honestly]] to the predator that the chase will be unprofitable]]

Pursuit-deterrent signals are behavioral signals used by prey to convince predators not to pursue them. For example, [[gazelle]]s [[stotting|stot]], jumping high with stiff legs and an arched back. This is thought to signal to predators that they have a high level of fitness and can outrun the predator. As a result, predators may choose to pursue a different prey that is less likely to outrun them.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Caro, T. M. |author-link=Tim Caro |date=1986 |title=The functions of stotting in Thomson's gazelles: Some tests of the predictions |journal=Animal Behaviour |issue=3 |pages=663–684 |doi=10.1016/S0003-3472(86)80052-5 |volume=34 |s2cid=53155678 }}</ref>
[[White-tailed deer]] and other prey mammals flag with conspicuous (often black and white) tail markings when alarmed, informing the predator that it has been detected.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bildstein |first1=Keith L. |title=Why White-Tailed Deer Flag Their Tails |journal=The American Naturalist |date=May 1983 |volume=121 |issue=5 |pages=709–715 |doi=10.1086/284096 |jstor=2460873|s2cid=83504795 }}</ref>
Warning calls given by birds such as the [[Eurasian jay]] are similarly [[honest signal]]s, benefiting both predator and prey: the predator is informed that it has been detected and might as well save time and energy by giving up the chase, while the prey is protected from attack.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bergstrom |first1=C. T. |last2=Lachmann |first2=M. |year=2001 |title=Alarm calls as costly signals of antipredator vigilance: the watchful babbler game |journal=Animal Behaviour |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=535–543 |doi=10.1006/anbe.2000.1636 |citeseerx=10.1.1.28.773 |s2cid=2295026 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Getty |first=T. |s2cid=53164940 |year=2002 |title=The discriminating babbler meets the optimal diet hawk |journal=Animal Behaviour |volume=63 |issue=2 |pages=397–402 |doi=10.1006/anbe.2001.1890}}</ref>