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Epistasis

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In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...

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Social Threat-Safety Test Uncovers Psychosocial Stress-Related Phenotypes

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Mixed-phenotype grouping: the interaction between oddity and crypsis.

Gwendolen M Rodgers¹, Helen Kimbell, Lesley J Morrell

¹School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.

|October 20, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mixed-species animal groups can reduce predation risk for cryptic prey. Conspicuous individuals in mixed groups enhance protection, suggesting a strategy for survival against predators.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Animal Behavior

Background:

Animals often form homogeneous groups due to predation pressures.
The confusion effect and oddity effect predict homogeneous groups, but mixed groups are observed.
A new hypothesis suggests mixed groups benefit cryptic prey when associated with conspicuous species.

Purpose of the Study:

To test contrasting predictions on the evolution of homogeneous versus mixed-phenotype animal groups.
To investigate the role of conspicuousness and crypsis in predator-prey dynamics within groups.
To determine if prey benefit from mixed-species associations under predation risk.

Main Methods:

Experimental predation trials using three-spine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and Daphnia.
Observational studies on mollies (Poecilia sphenops) to assess social preferences in mixed-phenotype groups.
Manipulating the proportion of conspicuous individuals in mixed groups to assess predation risk reduction.

Main Results:

Cryptic Daphnia experienced reduced predation in mixed-phenotype groups, with risk decreasing as conspicuous individuals increased.
Mollies showed reduced preference for conspecifics when cryptic, but no active association with conspicuous individuals was observed.
Predation risk for cryptic prey is significantly influenced by the presence and number of conspicuous individuals in mixed groups.

Conclusions:

Mixed-phenotype grouping can evolve as a strategy to mitigate predation risk for cryptic prey.
Prey balance the risks of being 'odd' versus conspicuous when making social decisions.
The presence of conspicuous individuals provides a defensive advantage to less conspicuous ones in mixed groups.