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Related Experiment Videos

Natural selection on unpalatable species imposed by state-dependent foraging behaviour.

Thomas N Sherratt1, Michael P Speed, Graeme D Ruxton

  • 1Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1S 5B6. sheratt@ccs.carleton.ca

Journal of Theoretical Biology
|April 20, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Müllerian mimicry can evolve even after predators learn to avoid toxic prey. This study shows that prey appearance can evolve to signal toxin levels, benefiting both mimic and model species.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Chemical Ecology

Background:

  • Müllerian mimicry, where unprofitable prey species share similar warning signals, is traditionally explained by predator education.
  • This study investigates mimicry evolution during the post-education phase, when predators already recognize unprofitable prey.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the evolutionary pressures on prey morphology after predators have learned to avoid toxic prey.
  • To determine if prey can gain an advantage by mimicking others based on toxin levels, not just unprofitability.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized stochastic dynamic programming equations to model predator energy levels and toxin burdens.
  • Analyzed optimal predator foraging strategies to understand selection pressures on prey appearance.

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Main Results:

  • Weakly defended prey can benefit from mimicking more toxic species, especially when palatable prey is scarce.
  • Mimicry can be mutualistic or parasitic, depending on the density dynamics of the mimic species.
  • This provides a post-education mechanism for the evolution and maintenance of mimicry among distasteful species.

Conclusions:

  • Predator learning is not the sole driver for the evolution of Müllerian mimicry.
  • Prey morphology can evolve to signal toxin levels, creating advantages beyond initial predator education.
  • Mimicry can enhance predator uncertainty regarding specific toxins, offering mutual benefits to species with different toxins.