The evolution of patterning during movement in a large-scale citizen science game

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Animal behavior
• Camouflage research

Background:

• The motion dazzle hypothesis suggests high contrast patterns aid camouflage for moving animals, like zebras.
• Previous research on motion dazzle has yielded limited and inconclusive evidence.
• Optimal anti-predator patterning for moving targets remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of motion dazzle patterns in predator-prey dynamics.
• To determine optimal camouflage strategies for moving targets using evolutionary algorithms.
• To challenge or support the motion dazzle hypothesis with empirical data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a genetic programming approach to evolve patterns based on predator capture time.
• Developed and deployed the 'Dazzle Bug' citizen science touchscreen game.
• Collected data from over 1.5 million target interactions in a public visitor attraction.

Main Results:

• Evolved patterns trended towards losing elements and becoming more background-matched.
• Targets with reduced pattern complexity and lower motion energy were harder to capture.
• The study found that low contrast, featureless patterns provided the best protection.

Conclusions:

• The motion dazzle hypothesis is challenged by the findings.
• Background matching and reduced motion energy are more effective anti-predator strategies than high contrast patterns.
• Optimal camouflage for moving animals may involve simplicity and low contrast, contrary to motion dazzle theory.