The acquisition of resources in animals is an important influence on the structure and actions of a species since individuals want to pass their genes onward to survive. However, interspecific competition affects the availability of these resources and therefore influences the methods by which a species obtains them. Surf Scoter ducks demonstrate a synchronous dive and surfacing pattern, as investigated by LE Schenkeveld and RC Ydenberg, as a tactic to overpower kleptoparasites – animals who rob food from animals of other species – like gulls. In order to determine the mechanism responsible for this collective movement, the scientists investigated the hypothesis that the flocks will dive more synchronously, and therefore surface at the same
