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Aposematism: what should our starting point be?

Michael P Speed1, Graeme D Ruxton

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK. speedm@liverpool.ac.uk

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|March 1, 2005
PubMed
Summary

The evolution of aposematism (warning coloration) is easier when prey have high-cost cryptic defenses. Prey evolve secondary defenses and conspicuous behaviors, making warning coloration less costly and more beneficial.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Behavioral ecology
  • Theoretical ecology

Background:

  • Aposematism (warning coloration) evolution is debated due to rarity and conspicuousness challenges for new forms.
  • The assumption that new aposematic forms arise from cryptic populations may be limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of aposematism using a novel evolutionary computer model.
  • To explore conditions under which costly secondary defenses and conspicuousness evolve.

Main Methods:

  • Developed an evolutionary computer model simulating prey with evolving secondary defenses and behavioral conspicuousness.
  • Analyzed the impact of crypsis's opportunity costs on the evolution of defenses and conspicuousness.
  • Examined the influence of population size and crypsis costs on optimal defense and conspicuousness levels.

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Main Results:

  • Costly secondary defenses and behavioral conspicuousness evolve only when crypsis imposes significant opportunity costs (e.g., hindering foraging or thermoregulation).
  • Increased population size and crypsis costs lead to higher optimal levels of secondary defense and behavioral conspicuousness.
  • Prey already exhibiting conspicuous behaviors find it easier to evolve aposematic appearances, as these add minimal extra cost.

Conclusions:

  • The evolution of aposematism is facilitated when prey behaviors already increase conspicuousness, reducing the cost burden of warning coloration.
  • Crypsis's opportunity costs are a key driver for the evolution of secondary defenses and behavioral conspicuousness, paving the way for aposematism.