Some historical thoughts on the functional responses of predators to prey density

Abstract

The introduction of the functional response into population ecology in 1949 by Maurice Solomon was focused on explaining population regulation by density-dependent mortality caused by predators and natural enemies. Like many simple ecological measures originating at the population level, it was soon being used for other purposes at the single species and individual predator level. It is thus necessary when we use this important response function that we have a clear hypothesis in mind that is being tested. Here I provide a capsular summary of the origins of the functional response and suggest five problems with its application in population and community ecology. The functional response has much utility as a critical component of understanding population and community dynamics but must be carefully aimed at specific questions.