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Related Concept Videos

Types of Signaling Molecules01:32

Types of Signaling Molecules

In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
Types of Signaling Molecules01:32

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Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
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Published on: September 19, 2012

Honest signalling with costly gambles.

Frazer Meacham1, Aaron Perlmutter, Carl T Bergstrom

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Washington, PO Box 351800, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. fmeacham@uw.edu

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
|August 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Stochastic signal costs, unlike determinate ones, can lower communication expenses in conflicts. This finding from signalling games suggests a fundamental mechanism reducing costs in various situations.

Keywords:
costly signallinghandicap theoryrisk aversion

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Game theory
  • Animal communication

Background:

  • Costly signalling theory explains honest communication during conflicts.
  • Traditional models predict unrealistically high signal costs.
  • Existing models assume signal costs are determinate, not variable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of stochastic (variable) signal costs on communication.
  • To determine if variable costs can reduce equilibrium signal costs.
  • To explore the implications for costly signalling theory.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of discrete and continuous signalling games.
  • Mathematical modeling of stochastic cost functions.
  • Equilibrium analysis under uncertainty.

Main Results:

  • Stochasticity in signal costs can decrease the average equilibrium cost.
  • This effect holds under reasonable assumptions for signalling games.
  • The reduction in cost is a fundamental consequence of variability.

Conclusions:

  • Variable signal costs offer a more realistic explanation for stable, honest communication.
  • Stochasticity provides a mechanism to lower signalling costs in evolutionary contexts.
  • This principle likely applies broadly across various biological systems.