The study by Stankowich and Blumstein examines the factors influencing animals' perception of fear and risk in response to predators. Using a meta-analysis and a comprehensive review of the literature, they identify key factors that affect flight initiation distance, a proxy for fearfulness. The authors found that predator traits such as speed, size, and directness of approach significantly increase prey's perception of risk. Prey's distance to refuge and experience with predators also play crucial roles. While fish tolerated closer approaches in larger schools, other taxa had longer flight initiation distances when in larger groups. Armored and cryptic morphologies decreased perceived risk, but body temperature in lizards had no significant effect. The study highlights the importance of prey's sensitivity to predator behavior and their ability to modify their behavior and morphology to reduce perceived risk. The findings provide insights into the coevolution of predator and prey strategies and the general factors influencing fearfulness in animals.The study by Stankowich and Blumstein examines the factors influencing animals' perception of fear and risk in response to predators. Using a meta-analysis and a comprehensive review of the literature, they identify key factors that affect flight initiation distance, a proxy for fearfulness. The authors found that predator traits such as speed, size, and directness of approach significantly increase prey's perception of risk. Prey's distance to refuge and experience with predators also play crucial roles. While fish tolerated closer approaches in larger schools, other taxa had longer flight initiation distances when in larger groups. Armored and cryptic morphologies decreased perceived risk, but body temperature in lizards had no significant effect. The study highlights the importance of prey's sensitivity to predator behavior and their ability to modify their behavior and morphology to reduce perceived risk. The findings provide insights into the coevolution of predator and prey strategies and the general factors influencing fearfulness in animals.