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The evolution of mimicry under constraints.
Øistein Haugsten Holen1, Rufus A Johnstone
1Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1050 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway. o.h.holen@bio.uio.no
The American Naturalist
|November 13, 2004
Summary
Evolutionary costs can limit mimicry accuracy. This study models mimicry, predicting that common Batesian mimics or those of weak models may evolve less accurate mimicry or polymorphism, influenced by predator interactions and receiver cognition.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Game theory
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Mimicry, the resemblance between organisms, varies in accuracy.
- Evolutionary constraints on mimicry improvement are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an evolutionary game theory model of mimicry incorporating costs.
- To generate novel predictions about mimicry evolution.
Main Methods:
- Developed an evolutionary game theory model.
- Incorporated constraints on the evolution of mimicry.
- Analyzed the impact of signal receiver cognition.
Main Results:
- Common Batesian mimics or mimics of weak models may evolve inaccurate mimicry or polymorphism.
- High predator encounter rates or poor evasion by mimics favor polymorphism.
- Improved signal receiver discrimination can paradoxically select for less accurate mimicry.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary costs significantly shape mimicry patterns.
- Mimicry evolution is influenced by mimic abundance, model defense, predator dynamics, and receiver cognitive abilities.