The shadow principle: An optimal survival strategy for a prey chased by random predators

M. Moreau , O. Benichou , G. Oshanin , R. Voituriez

Bibtex , URL
PHYSICA A-STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS, 392, 13
Published 01 Jul. 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2013.02.020
ISSN: 0378-4371

Abstract

We consider a lattice model of the annihilation process A + B -> B, when a mobile prey A is chased by identical, independent predators B performing random motions until one of them finds A and destroys it. It is assumed that each predator follows some ``most probable{''} trajectory around which it performs a random motion. It is shown that, if the random motion of the predators satisfies certain conditions, the prey A can maximize its survival probability by following a specific trajectory which mimics the preferred trajectories of the predators: we call this optimal trajectory as the ``shadow{''} of the predator. This is an extension of the so-called ``Pascal Principle{''}, studied in the recent literature. We discuss the conditions which allow for such extensions, and give examples where they are realized. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This publication is related to:

Stochastic dynamics of reactive and living systems