Collective detection based on visual information in animal groups

• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0142
• Publication Date: 2021-07-07T07:05:13Z
• Authors: Jacob D. Davidson; Matthew M. G. Sosna; Colin R. Twomey; Vivek H. Sridhar; Simon P. Leblanc; Iain D. Couzin
• Keywords: info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/570; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Behavior, Animal; Cyprinidae; Animals; Humans; Life Sciences–Physics interface; Social Behavior; Models, Biological

We investigate key principles underlying individual, and collective, visual detection of stimuli, how this relates to the internal structure groups. While individual collective are generally applicable, we employ a model experimental system schooling golden shiner fish ( Notemigonus crysoleucas ) relate theory directly empirical data, using computational reconstruction fields all individuals. This reveals external information available each group member depends on number individuals in group, position within location visually detectable stimulus. find that small groups, have capability nearly directions, while large occlusion by neighbours causes vary with group. To understand drive formulate simple, captures properties emerge due geometric scaling space occupied caused neighbours. these insights discuss extend beyond our specific system, such as body shape, size