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Predators favour mimicry in a tropical reef fish
M Julian Caley1, Dolph Schluter
1Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity and School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia. julian.caley@jcu.edu.au
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|April 26, 2003
Summary
Batesian mimicry offers protection to palatable species, with greater resemblance to toxic models providing increased safety from predators. This protective
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Batesian mimicry relies on palatable species resembling toxic models for protection.
- The extent of this protective 'umbrella' based on resemblance is not well understood.
- Predation risk may increase with mimic conspicuousness, challenging mimicry evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the degree of resemblance affects the protective umbrella in Batesian mimicry.
- To understand the predatory fish response to varying levels of mimicry.
- To explore the evolutionary implications of mimicry in reef fish.
Main Methods:
- Using plastic replicas of a model-mimic fish pair (Canthigaster valentini and Paraluteres prionurus).
- Testing responses of wild predatory and non-piscivorous fishes to replicas with varying resemblance.
- Measuring fish approach rates as an indicator of predation risk.
Main Results:
- Piscivorous fishes showed reduced approach rates to replicas with higher resemblance to the toxic model.
- A broad protective umbrella was observed around the model's color pattern.
- Non-piscivorous fish responses were not related to the degree of resemblance.
Conclusions:
- Predatory fish recognition of the toxic model (C. valentini) creates selection for mimicry in palatable species (P. prionurus).
- The broad protective umbrella likely facilitated the evolution of mimicry despite increased conspicuousness.
- Understanding mimicry's protective scope is key to explaining its evolutionary success.