1
|
Drerup C, Dunkley K, How MJ, Herbert-Read JE. Cuttlefish adopt disruptive camouflage under dynamic lighting. Curr Biol 2024; 34:3258-3264.e5. [PMID: 38959882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Many animals avoid detection or recognition using camouflage tailored to the visual features of their environment.1,2,3 The appearance of those features, however, can be affected by fluctuations in local lighting conditions, making them appear different over time.4,5 Despite dynamic lighting being common in many terrestrial and aquatic environments, it is unknown whether dynamic lighting influences the camouflage patterns that animals adopt. Here, we test whether a common form of underwater dynamic lighting, consisting of moving light bands that can create local fluctuations in the intensity of light ("water caustics"), affects the camouflage of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Owing to specialized pigment cells (chromatophores) in the skin,6 these cephalopod mollusks can dynamically adjust their body patterns in response to features of their visual scene.7,8,9 Although cuttlefish resting on plain or patterned backgrounds usually expressed uniform or disruptive body patterns, respectively,10,11,12 exposure to these backgrounds in dynamic lighting induced stronger disruptive patterns regardless of the background type. Dynamic lighting increased the maximum contrast levels within scenes, and these maximum contrast levels were associated with the degree of cuttlefish disruptive camouflage. This adoption of disruptive camouflage in dynamically lit scenes may be adaptive, reducing the likelihood of detection, or alternatively, it could represent a constraint on visual processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Drerup
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Katie Dunkley
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; Christ's College, University of Cambridge, St Andrew's Street, Cambridge CB2 3BU, UK
| | - Martin J How
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - James E Herbert-Read
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK; Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Henríquez-Piskulich P, Stuart-Fox D, Elgar M, Marusic I, Franklin AM. Dazzled by shine: gloss as an antipredator strategy in fast moving prey. Behav Ecol 2023; 34:862-871. [PMID: 37744168 PMCID: PMC10516678 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies on stationary prey have found mixed results for the role of a glossy appearance in predator avoidance-some have found that glossiness can act as warning coloration or improve camouflage, whereas others detected no survival benefit. An alternative untested hypothesis is that glossiness could provide protection in the form of dynamic dazzle. Fast moving animals that are glossy produce flashes of light that increase in frequency at higher speeds, which could make it harder for predators to track and accurately locate prey. We tested this hypothesis by presenting praying mantids with glossy or matte targets moving at slow and fast speed. Mantids were less likely to strike glossy targets, independently of speed. Additionally, mantids were less likely to track glossy targets and more likely to hit the target with one out of the two legs that struck rather than both raptorial legs, but only when targets were moving fast. These results support the hypothesis that a glossy appearance may have a function as an antipredator strategy by reducing the ability of predators to track and accurately target fast moving prey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Devi Stuart-Fox
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark Elgar
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ivan Marusic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Amanda M Franklin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moise RI, Eccles GR, Mettke-Hofmann C. Enclosure Background Preferences Differ between Sexes and Color Morphs in the Gouldian Finch. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081353. [PMID: 37106916 PMCID: PMC10135138 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most wild animals camouflage well into their environment, providing protection from predators, whereas captive animals often contrast with their background. This can cause stress for the animal, which may perceive it as being exposed. Theory suggests that prey is more difficult to detect in front of complex backgrounds; hence, animals should prefer complex over simple backgrounds. We tested this in the polymorphic Gouldian finch by providing a complex background pattern in one half of the flight cage and a simple background pattern in the other half for 10 days (phase 1). Patterns were then swapped and presented for another week (phase 2). Groups of four birds consisting of either pure black-headed or red-headed or mixed head color (two black-headed and two red-headed) pairings were tested. Gouldian finches spent significantly more time in front of the simple background in phase 1 but not in phase 2. Specifically, females preferred the simple background in phase 1 significantly more than males. Moreover, red-headed birds consistently perched in front of the simple background, whereas black-headed birds used both backgrounds, particularly in phase 2. Results indicate that background preferences differ between sexes and morphs, which should be considered when designing backgrounds. Moreover, natural habitat preferences need consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Moise
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Georgina R Eccles
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Claudia Mettke-Hofmann
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Franklin AM. All camouflage strategies are not equal. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221869. [PMID: 36382517 PMCID: PMC9667360 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Franklin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Venables SV, Drerup C, Powell SB, Marshall NJ, Herbert-Read JE, How MJ. Polarization vision mitigates visual noise from flickering light underwater. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2770. [PMID: 36083913 PMCID: PMC9462692 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In shallow water, downwelling light is refracted from surface waves onto the substrate creating bands of light that fluctuate in both time and space, known as caustics. This dynamic illumination can be a visual hindrance for animals in shallow underwater environments. Animals in such habitats may have evolved to use polarization vision for discriminating objects while ignoring the variations in illumination caused by caustics. To explore this possibility, crabs (Carcinus maenas) and cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), both of which have polarization vision, were presented with moving stimuli overlaid with caustics. Dynamic caustics inhibited the detection of an intensity-based stimulus but not when these stimuli were polarized. This study is the first to demonstrate that polarization vision reduces the negative impacts that dynamic illumination can have on visual perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - James E. Herbert-Read
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK
- Aquatic Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Martin J. How
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Attwell JR, Ioannou CC, Reid CR, Herbert-Read JE. Fish Avoid Visually Noisy Environments Where Prey Targeting Is Reduced. Am Nat 2021; 198:421-432. [PMID: 34403312 DOI: 10.1086/715434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe environment contains different forms of ecological noise that can reduce the ability of animals to detect information. Here, we ask whether animals adapt their behavior to either exploit or avoid areas of their environment with increased dynamic visual noise. Three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were immersed in environments with a simulated form of naturally occurring visual noise-moving light bands that form on underwater substrates caused by the refraction of light through surface waves. We tested whether this form of visual noise affected fish's habitat selection, movements, and prey-targeting behavior. Fish avoided areas of the environment with increased visual noise and achieved this by increasing their activity as a function of the locally perceived noise level. Fish were less likely to respond to virtual prey in environments with increased visual noise, highlighting a potential impact that visual noise has on their perceptual abilities. Fish did not increase or decrease their refuge use in environments with increased visual noise, providing no evidence that visual noise increased either exploratory or risk-aversive behavior. Our results indicate that animals can use simple behavioral strategies to avoid visually noisy environments, thereby mitigating the impacts that these environments appear to have on their perceptual abilities.
Collapse
|
7
|
Dynamic visual noise promotes social attraction, but does not affect group size preference, in a shoaling fish. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
8
|
Caro T, Koneru M. Towards an ecology of protective coloration. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:611-641. [PMID: 33258554 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The strategies underlying different forms of protective coloration are well understood but little attention has been paid to the ecological, life-history and behavioural circumstances under which they evolve. While some comparative studies have investigated the ecological correlates of aposematism, and background matching, the latter particularly in mammals, few have examined the ecological correlates of other types of protective coloration. Here, we first outline which types of defensive coloration strategies may be exhibited by the same individual; concluding that many protective coloration mechanisms can be employed simultaneously, particularly in conjunction with background matching. Second, we review the ecological predictions that have been made for each sort of protective coloration mechanism before systematically surveying phylogenetically controlled comparative studies linking ecological and social variables to antipredator defences that involve coloration. We find that some a priori predictions based on small-scale empirical studies and logical arguments are indeed supported by comparative data, especially in relation to how illumination affects both background matching and self-shadow concealment through countershading; how body size is associated with countershading, motion dazzle, flash coloration and aposematism, although only in selected taxa; how immobility may promote background matching in ambush predators; and how mobility may facilitate motion dazzle. Examination of nearly 120 comparative tests reveals that many focus on ecological variables that have little to do with predictions derived from antipredator defence theory, and that broad-scale ecological studies of defence strategies that incorporate phylogenetics are still very much in their infancy. We close by making recommendations for future evolutionary ecological research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Caro
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K.,Center for Population Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, U.S.A
| | - Manisha Koneru
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Galloway JAM, Green SD, Stevens M, Kelley LA. Finding a signal hidden among noise: how can predators overcome camouflage strategies? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190478. [PMID: 32420842 PMCID: PMC7331011 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made in the past 15 years regarding how prey use a variety of visual camouflage types to exploit both predator visual processing and cognition, including background matching, disruptive coloration, countershading and masquerade. By contrast, much less attention has been paid to how predators might overcome these defences. Such strategies include the evolution of more acute senses, the co-opting of other senses not targeted by camouflage, changes in cognition such as forming search images, and using behaviours that change the relationship between the cryptic individual and the environment or disturb prey and cause movement. Here, we evaluate the methods through which visual camouflage prevents detection and recognition, and discuss if and how predators might evolve, develop or learn counter-adaptations to overcome these. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Signal detection theory in recognition systems: from evolving models to experimental tests'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James A M Galloway
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus), Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Samuel D Green
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus), Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus), Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Laura A Kelley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus), Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Matchette SR, Cuthill IC, Cheney KL, Marshall NJ, Scott-Samuel NE. Underwater caustics disrupt prey detection by a reef fish. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192453. [PMID: 32228405 PMCID: PMC7209061 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural habitats contain dynamic elements, such as varying local illumination. Can such features mitigate the salience of organism movement? Dynamic illumination is particularly prevalent in coral reefs, where patterns known as 'water caustics' play chaotically in the shallows. In behavioural experiments with a wild-caught reef fish, the Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus), we demonstrate that the presence of dynamic water caustics negatively affects the detection of moving prey items, as measured by attack latency, relative to static water caustic controls. Manipulating two further features of water caustics (sharpness and scale) implies that the masking effect should be most effective in shallow water: scenes with fine scale and sharp water caustics induce the longest attack latencies. Due to the direct impact upon foraging efficiency, we expect the presence of dynamic water caustics to influence decisions about habitat choice and foraging by wild prey and predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Matchette
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TN, UK
| | - I C Cuthill
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - K L Cheney
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - N J Marshall
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - N E Scott-Samuel
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1TN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Murali G, Kodandaramaiah U. Size and unpredictable movement together affect the effectiveness of dynamic flash coloration. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
Matchette SR, Cuthill IC, Scott-Samuel NE. Dappled light disrupts prey detection by masking movement. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
14
|
Affiliation(s)
- I. C. Cuthill
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bian X, Chandler T, Pinilla A, Peters RA. Now You See Me, Now You Don't: Environmental Conditions, Signaler Behavior, and Receiver Response Thresholds Interact to Determine the Efficacy of a Movement-Based Animal Signal. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
16
|
Murali G, Kumari K, Kodandaramaiah U. Dynamic colour change and the confusion effect against predation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:274. [PMID: 30670756 PMCID: PMC6342951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36541-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The confusion effect - the decreased attack-to-kill ratio of a predator with increase in prey group size - is thought to be one of the main reasons for the evolution of group living in animals. Despite much interest, the influence of prey coloration on the confusion effect is not well understood. We hypothesized that dynamic colour change in motion (due to interference coloration or flash marks), seen widely in many group living animals, enhances the confusion effect. Utilizing a virtual tracking task with humans, we found targets that dynamically changed colour during motion were more difficult to track than targets with background matching patterns, and this effect was stronger at larger group sizes. The current study thus provides the first empirical evidence for the idea that dynamic colour change can benefit animals in a group and may explain the widespread occurrence of dynamic colorations in group-living animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopal Murali
- IISER-TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE), School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Maruthamala PO, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 551, India.
| | - Kajal Kumari
- IISER-TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE), School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Maruthamala PO, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 551, India
| | - Ullasa Kodandaramaiah
- IISER-TVM Centre for Research and Education in Ecology and Evolution (ICREEE), School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Maruthamala PO, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 551, India
| |
Collapse
|