1
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Burdfield-Steel E, Burdfield C. How to fail in advertising: The potential of marketing theory to predict the community-level selection of defended prey. J Evol Biol 2023. [PMID: 36820741 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Economics and ecology both present us with a key challenge: scaling up from individual behaviour to community-level effects. As a result, biologists have frequently utilized theories and frameworks from economics in their attempt to better understand animal behaviour. In the study of predator-prey interactions, we face a particularly difficult task-understanding how predator choices and strategies will impact the ecology and evolution not just of individual prey species, but whole communities. However, a similar challenge has been encountered, and largely solved, in Marketing, which has created frameworks that successfully predict human consumer behaviour at the community level. We argue that by applying these frameworks to non-human consumers, we can leverage this predictive power to understand the behaviour of these key ecological actors in shaping the communities they act upon. We here use predator-prey interactions, as a case study, to demonstrate and discuss the potential of marketing and human-consumer theory in helping us bridge the gap from laboratory experiments to complex community dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Burdfield-Steel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claire Burdfield
- Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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2
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da Rocha SM, Magnusson WE, Rojas D, Lima AP. Colour, location and movement: what do models tell us about predation on colour morphs of a poison frog from eastern Amazonia? BEHAVIOUR 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many dendrobatid frogs are known to be aposematic: brightly coloured and unpalatable to predators. To deceive predators, frog models used to test for predatory colour bias must be similar in size, colour, shape, and movement to frogs. We carried out an experiment with moving models of the species Adelphobates galactonotus, in two localities. A. galactonotus is a polytypic frog and each population of the species has a distinct colour. Birds and mammals were the vertebrates responsible for the marks on the models, but there was no difference in frequency of attacks on local-, non-local- and cryptic-colour models. Only invertebrates avoided cryptic models. Different populations of the species seem to be under different predation pressure, but colour differentiation in this species is probably related to other mechanisms, such as sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulamita M.C. da Rocha
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Av. André, Araújo 2936, 69011-970 Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - William E. Magnusson
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Av. André, Araújo 2936, 69011-970 Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Coordenação de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Av. André Araújo, 2936, 69011-970, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Diana Rojas
- Ecopescado, P.O. Box 37, 69640-000 Tabatinga, AM, Brazil
| | - Albertina P. Lima
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Av. André, Araújo 2936, 69011-970 Manaus, AM, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Coordenação de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Av. André Araújo, 2936, 69011-970, Manaus, AM, Brazil
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3
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Sculfort O, Maisonneuve L, Elias M, Aubier TG, Llaurens V. Uncovering the effects of Müllerian mimicry on the evolution of conspicuousness in colour patterns. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ombeline Sculfort
- Inst. de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne‐Univ., EPHE, Univ. des Antilles Paris France
- Molécules de Communication et Adaptations des Micro‐organismes (MCAM), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Paris France
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), Univ. de Guyane, CNRS, IFREMER Cayenne France
| | - Ludovic Maisonneuve
- Inst. de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne‐Univ., EPHE, Univ. des Antilles Paris France
| | - Marianne Elias
- Inst. de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne‐Univ., EPHE, Univ. des Antilles Paris France
| | | | - Violaine Llaurens
- Inst. de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne‐Univ., EPHE, Univ. des Antilles Paris France
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4
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Kikuchi DW, Barfield M, Herberstein ME, Mappes J, Holt RD. The Effect of Predator Population Dynamics on Batesian Mimicry Complexes. Am Nat 2022; 199:406-419. [DOI: 10.1086/718162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Kikuchi
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany
- Evolutionary Biology, Universität Bielefeld, Konsequez 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Barfield
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Marie E. Herberstein
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland; and Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä FI-40014, Finland
| | - Robert D. Holt
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
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5
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Ogilvie JG, Van Belleghem S, Range R, Papa R, McMillan OW, Chouteau M, Counterman BA. Balanced polymorphisms and their divergence in a Heliconius butterfly. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:18319-18330. [PMID: 35003675 PMCID: PMC8717333 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of mimicry in similarly defended prey is well described by the Müllerian mimicry theory, which predicts the convergence of warning patterns in order to gain the most protection from predators. However, despite this prediction, we can find great diversity of color patterns among Müllerian mimics such as Heliconius butterflies in the neotropics. Furthermore, some species have evolved the ability to maintain multiple distinct warning patterns in single populations, a phenomenon known as polymorphic mimicry. The adaptive benefit of these polymorphisms is questionable since variation from the most common warning patterns is expected to be disadvantageous as novel signals are punished by predators naive to them. In this study, we use artificial butterfly models throughout Central and South America to characterize the selective pressures maintaining polymorphic mimicry in Heliconius doris. Our results highlight the complexity of positive frequency-dependent selection, the principal selective pressure driving convergence among Müllerian mimics, and its impacts on interspecific variation of mimetic warning coloration. We further show how this selection regime can both limit and facilitate the diversification of mimetic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G. Ogilvie
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | | | - Ryan Range
- Department of Biological SciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Puerto RicoRio PiedrasPuerto Rico
| | | | - Mathieu Chouteau
- Laboratoire Écologie, Évolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA)Université de GuyaneCNRSIFREMERCayenneFrench Guiana
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6
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Winters AE, Lommi J, Kirvesoja J, Nokelainen O, Mappes J. Multimodal Aposematic Defenses Through the Predation Sequence. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.657740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aposematic organisms warn predators of their unprofitability using a combination of defenses, including visual warning signals, startling sounds, noxious odors, or aversive tastes. Using multiple lines of defense can help prey avoid predators by stimulating multiple senses and/or by acting at different stages of predation. We tested the efficacy of three lines of defense (color, smell, taste) during the predation sequence of aposematic wood tiger moths (Arctia plantaginis) using blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) predators. Moths with two hindwing phenotypes (genotypes: WW/Wy = white, yy = yellow) were manipulated to have defense fluid with aversive smell (methoxypyrazines), body tissues with aversive taste (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) or both. In early predation stages, moth color and smell had additive effects on bird approach latency and dropping the prey, with the strongest effect for moths of the white morph with defense fluids. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestration was detrimental in early attack stages, suggesting a trade-off between pyrrolizidine alkaloid sequestration and investment in other defenses. In addition, pyrrolizidine alkaloid taste alone did not deter bird predators. Birds could only effectively discriminate toxic moths from non-toxic moths when neck fluids containing methoxypyrazines were present, at which point they abandoned attack at the consumption stage. As a result, moths of the white morph with an aversive methoxypyrazine smell and moths in the treatment with both chemical defenses had the greatest chance of survival. We suggest that methoxypyrazines act as context setting signals for warning colors and as attention alerting or “go-slow” signals for distasteful toxins, thereby mediating the relationship between warning signal and toxicity. Furthermore, we found that moths that were heterozygous for hindwing coloration had more effective defense fluids compared to other genotypes in terms of delaying approach and reducing the latency to drop the moth, suggesting a genetic link between coloration and defense that could help to explain the color polymorphism. Conclusively, these results indicate that color, smell, and taste constitute a multimodal warning signal that impedes predator attack and improves prey survival. This work highlights the importance of understanding the separate roles of color, smell and taste through the predation sequence and also within-species variation in chemical defenses.
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7
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Hämäläinen L, Hoppitt W, Rowland HM, Mappes J, Fulford AJ, Sosa S, Thorogood R. Social transmission in the wild can reduce predation pressure on novel prey signals. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3978. [PMID: 34172738 PMCID: PMC8233390 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Social transmission of information is taxonomically widespread and could have profound effects on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of animal communities. Demonstrating this in the wild, however, has been challenging. Here we show by field experiment that social transmission among predators can shape how selection acts on prey defences. Using artificial prey and a novel approach in statistical analyses of social networks, we find that blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) and great tit (Parus major) predators learn about prey defences by watching others. This shifts population preferences rapidly to match changes in prey profitability, and reduces predation pressure from naïve predators. Our results may help resolve how costly prey defences are maintained despite influxes of naïve juvenile predators, and suggest that accounting for social transmission is essential if we are to understand coevolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hämäläinen
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland.
| | - William Hoppitt
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Hannah M Rowland
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Research Programme in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Sebastian Sosa
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rose Thorogood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Research Programme in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Kikuchi DW, Herberstein ME, Barfield M, Holt RD, Mappes J. Why aren't warning signals everywhere? On the prevalence of aposematism and mimicry in communities. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2446-2460. [PMID: 34128583 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Warning signals are a striking example of natural selection present in almost every ecological community - from Nordic meadows to tropical rainforests, defended prey species and their mimics ward off potential predators before they attack. Yet despite the wide distribution of warning signals, they are relatively scarce as a proportion of the total prey available, and more so in some biomes than others. Classically, warning signals are thought to be governed by positive density-dependent selection, i.e. they succeed better when they are more common. Therefore, after surmounting this initial barrier to their evolution, it is puzzling that they remain uncommon on the scale of the community. Here, we explore factors likely to determine the prevalence of warning signals in prey assemblages. These factors include the nature of prey defences and any constraints upon them, the behavioural interactions of predators with different prey defences, the numerical responses of predators governed by movement and reproduction, the diversity and abundance of undefended alternative prey and Batesian mimics in the community, and variability in other ecological circumstances. We also discuss the macroevolution of warning signals. Our review finds that we have a basic understanding of how many species in some taxonomic groups have warning signals, but very little information on the interrelationships among population abundances across prey communities, the diversity of signal phenotypes, and prey defences. We also have detailed knowledge of how a few generalist predator species forage in artificial laboratory environments, but we know much less about how predators forage in complex natural communities with variable prey defences. We describe how empirical work to address each of these knowledge gaps can test specific hypotheses for why warning signals exhibit their particular patterns of distribution. This will help us to understand how behavioural interactions shape ecological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Kikuchi
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany.,Evolutionary Biology, Universität Bielefeld, Konsequez 45, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
| | - Marie E Herberstein
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Barfield
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8525, U.S.A
| | - Robert D Holt
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8525, U.S.A
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Wallotstraße 19, Berlin, Germany.,Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
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9
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Kaczmarek JM, Kaczmarski M, Mazurkiewicz J, Kloskowski J. Numbers, neighbors, and hungry predators: What makes chemically defended aposematic prey susceptible to predation? Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13705-13716. [PMID: 33391674 PMCID: PMC7771146 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many chemically defended aposematic species are characterized by relatively low toxin levels, which enables predators to include them in their diets under certain circumstances. Knowledge of the conditions governing the survival of such prey animals-especially in the context of the co-occurrence of similar but undefended prey, which may result in mimicry-like interactions-is crucial for understanding the initial evolution of aposematism. In a one-month outdoor experiment using fish (the common carp Cyprinus carpio) as predators, we examined the survival of moderately defended aposematic tadpole prey (the European common toad Bufo bufo) with varying absolute densities in single-species prey systems or varying relative densities in two-species prey systems containing morphologically similar but undefended prey (the European common frog Rana temporaria). The density effects were investigated in conjunction with the hunger levels of the predator, which were manipulated by means of the addition of alternative (nontadpole) food. The survival of the B. bufo tadpoles was promoted by increasing their absolute density in the single-species prey systems, increasing their relative density in the two-species prey systems, and providing ample alternative food for the predator. Hungry predators eliminated all R. temporaria individuals regardless of their proportion in the prey community; in treatments with ample alternative food, high relative B. bufo density supported R. temporaria survival. The results demonstrated that moderately defended prey did benefit from high population densities (both absolute and relative), even under long-term predation pressure. However, the physiological state of the predator was a crucial factor in the survival of moderately defended prey. While the availability of alternative prey in general should promote the spread and maintenance of aposematism, the results indicated that the resemblance between the co-occurring defended and undefended prey may impose mortality costs on the defended model species, even in the absence of actual mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Kaczmarek
- Department of ZoologyPoznań University of Life SciencesPoznańPoland
| | | | - Jan Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Inland Fisheries and AquaculturePoznań University of Life SciencesPoznańPoland
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10
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Aubier TG, Sherratt TN. State-Dependent Decision-Making by Predators and Its Consequences for Mimicry. Am Nat 2020; 196:E127-E144. [PMID: 33064589 DOI: 10.1086/710568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe mimicry of one species by another provides one of the most celebrated examples of evolution by natural selection. Edible Batesian mimics deceive predators into believing they may be defended, whereas defended Müllerian mimics have evolved a shared warning signal, more rapidly educating predators to avoid them. However, it may benefit hungry predators to attack defended prey, while the benefits of learning about unfamiliar prey depends on the future value of this information. Previous energetic state-dependent models of predator foraging behavior have assumed complete knowledge, while informational state-dependent models have assumed fixed levels of hunger. Here, we identify the optimal decision rules of predators accounting for both energetic and informational states. We show that the nature of mimicry is qualitatively and quantitatively affected by both sources of state dependence. Associative learning weakens the extent of parasitic mimicry by edible prey because naive predators often attack defended models. More importantly, mimicry among equally highly defended prey may be parasitic or mutualistic depending on the ecological context (e.g., the source of mimics and the abundance of alternative prey). Finally, mimicry by prey with intermediate defenses corresponds to Batesian or Müllerian mimicry depending on whether the mimic is profitable to attack by hungry predators, but it is not a special case of mimicry.
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11
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Yamazaki Y, Pagani-Núñez E, Sota T, Barnett CRA. The truth is in the detail: predators attack aposematic prey with less aggression than other prey types. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aposematic organisms are often unprofitable to predators (e.g. because of defensive chemicals) which they advertise with a conspicuous signal (e.g. bright and conspicuous colour signals). Aposematism is thought to reduce predation of prey because the colour signal increases the ability of predators to learn, recognize and remember the prey’s defensive properties. The efficacy of aposematism has been extensively documented in laboratory studies, although its benefits seem to be harder to demonstrate in the field. In this study, we compared the levels of partial and overall predation among four prey types (undefended and cryptic, undefended and warning coloured, defended and cryptic, and aposematic prey). Overall, predation of warning coloured and defended (aposematic) prey was lower than the predation for cryptic and undefended prey; however, it was the same as predation of cryptic and defended prey. Moreover, aposematic prey had higher levels of partial predation (where prey was not wholly consumed by the predator) and lower attack intensities. This suggests that prey were being taste sampled, but also might be better able to survive attacks. Therefore, the benefits of aposematism may lie not only in reducing outright predation, but also in altering a predator’s post-attack behaviour, thus leading to greater escape opportunities and post-attack survival of prey. These results reinforce the importance of examining predation in more detail rather than simply examining attack rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamazaki
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Emilio Pagani-Núñez
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Teiji Sota
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Craig R A Barnett
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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12
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Hämäläinen L, Thorogood R. The signal detection problem of aposematic prey revisited: integrating prior social and personal experience. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190473. [PMID: 32420858 PMCID: PMC7331014 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ever since Alfred R. Wallace suggested brightly coloured, toxic insects warn predators about their unprofitability, evolutionary biologists have searched for an explanation of how these aposematic prey evolve and are maintained in natural populations. Understanding how predators learn about this widespread prey defence is fundamental to addressing the problem, yet individuals differ in their foraging decisions and the predominant application of associative learning theory largely ignores predators' foraging context. Here we revisit the suggestion made 15 years ago that signal detection theory provides a useful framework to model predator learning by emphasizing the integration of prior information into predation decisions. Using multiple experiments where we modified the availability of social information using video playback, we show that personal information (sampling aposematic prey) improves how predators (great tits, Parus major) discriminate between novel aposematic and cryptic prey. However, this relationship was not linear and beyond a certain point personal encounters with aposematic prey were no longer informative for prey discrimination. Social information about prey unpalatability reduced attacks on aposematic prey across learning trials, but it did not influence the relationship between personal sampling and discrimination. Our results suggest therefore that acquiring social information does not influence the value of personal information, but more experiments are needed to manipulate pay-offs and disentangle whether information sources affect response thresholds or change discrimination. This article is part of the theme issue 'Signal detection theory in recognition systems: from evolving models to experimental tests'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hämäläinen
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Rose Thorogood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
- HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00011, Finland
- Research Programme in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00011, Finland
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13
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McClure M, Clerc C, Desbois C, Meichanetzoglou A, Cau M, Bastin-Héline L, Bacigalupo J, Houssin C, Pinna C, Nay B, Llaurens V, Berthier S, Andraud C, Gomez D, Elias M. Why has transparency evolved in aposematic butterflies? Insights from the largest radiation of aposematic butterflies, the Ithomiini. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20182769. [PMID: 30991931 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Defended species are often conspicuous and this is thought to be an honest signal of defences, i.e. more toxic prey are more conspicuous. Neotropical butterflies of the large Ithomiini tribe numerically dominate communities of chemically defended butterflies and may thus drive the evolution of mimetic warning patterns. Although many species are brightly coloured, most are transparent to some degree. The evolution of transparency from a warning-coloured ancestor is puzzling as it is generally assumed to be involved in concealment. Here, we show that transparent Ithomiini species are indeed less detectable by avian predators (i.e. concealment). Surprisingly, transparent species are not any less unpalatable, and may in fact be more unpalatable than opaque species, the latter spanning a larger range of unpalatability. We put forth various hypotheses to explain the evolution of weak aposematic signals in these butterflies and other cryptic defended prey. Our study is an important step in determining the selective pressures and constraints that regulate the interaction between conspicuousness and unpalatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie McClure
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Corentin Clerc
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Charlotte Desbois
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Aimilia Meichanetzoglou
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France.,2 Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes (MCAM), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , 75005 Paris , France
| | - Marion Cau
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Lucie Bastin-Héline
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France.,4 Sorbonne Université, INRA, CNRS, IRD, UPEC, Université Paris Diderot, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris , Paris and Versailles , France
| | - Javier Bacigalupo
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Céline Houssin
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Charline Pinna
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Bastien Nay
- 2 Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes (MCAM), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , 75005 Paris , France.,3 Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique, Ecole polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris , 91128 Palaiseau , France
| | - Violaine Llaurens
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
| | - Serge Berthier
- 5 Institut des NanoSciences de Paris, UMR 7588, CNRS, Sorbonne Université , 75252 Paris , France
| | - Christine Andraud
- 6 Centre de recherche et Conservation des Collections (CRCC), MNHN , 75005 Paris , France
| | - Doris Gomez
- 7 CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 , EPHE, IRD, Montpellier , France
| | - Marianne Elias
- 1 Institut Systématique Évolution Biodiversité (ISYEB), CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne Université , EPHE, Université des Antilles, CP50 75005 Paris , France
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14
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Raška J, Krajíček J, Bosáková Z, Štys P, Exnerová A. Larvae of pyrrhocorid true bugs are not to spiders’ taste: putative Müllerian mimicry. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Adults and larvae of a true bug, Scantius aegyptius (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae), closely resemble sympatric firebugs, Pyrrhocoris apterus, and probably form a mimetic relationship with the latter species. Scantius aegyptius adults, although producing a secretion atypical of true bugs, are to some extent chemically protected against predators. In this study, we analysed the composition and function of the larval secretion in S. aegyptius, and investigated the mimetic relationship between larvae of S. aegyptius and P. apterus. The main component of the larval secretion in S. aegyptius is 2-heptanol, a chemical not known to function in anti-predatory defence, followed by (E)-2-octenal, a common defensive chemical of true bugs. When larvae of both species were presented to jumping spiders (Evarcha arcuata), S. aegyptius was slightly less well protected than P. apterus, but the spiders behaved towards the two species in a similar way: they quickly learned to avoid the bugs, but usually attacked them again on the second day. The spiders also generalized their learned avoidance from one true bug species to the other (with only slight asymmetry favouring S. aegyptius), suggesting that the bugs’ mimetic relationship is most probably Müllerian, being advantageous to both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Raška
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krajíček
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Bosáková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Štys
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Exnerová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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15
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Hämäläinen L, Mappes J, Rowland HM, Thorogood R. Social information use about novel aposematic prey is not influenced by a predator's previous experience with toxins. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland
| | - Hannah M. Rowland
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Jena Germany
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London London UK
| | - Rose Thorogood
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences, University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- Research Programme in Organismal & Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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16
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Finkbeiner SD, Salazar PA, Nogales S, Rush CE, Briscoe AD, Hill RI, Kronforst MR, Willmott KR, Mullen SP. Frequency dependence shapes the adaptive landscape of imperfect Batesian mimicry. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2017.2786. [PMID: 29618547 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite more than a century of biological research on the evolution and maintenance of mimetic signals, the relative frequencies of models and mimics necessary to establish and maintain Batesian mimicry in natural populations remain understudied. Here we investigate the frequency-dependent dynamics of imperfect Batesian mimicry, using predation experiments involving artificial butterfly models. We use two geographically distinct populations of Adelpha butterflies that vary in their relative frequencies of a putatively defended model (Adelpha iphiclus) and Batesian mimic (Adelpha serpa). We found that in Costa Rica, where both species share similar abundances, Batesian mimicry breaks down, and predators more readily attack artificial butterfly models of the presumed mimic, A. serpa By contrast, in Ecuador, where A. iphiclus (model) is significantly more abundant than A. serpa (mimic), both species are equally protected from predation. Our results provide compelling experimental evidence that imperfect Batesian mimicry is frequency-dependent on the relative abundance of models and mimics in natural populations, and contribute to the growing body of evidence that complex dynamics, such as seasonality or the availability of alternative prey, influence the evolution of mimetic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Finkbeiner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA .,Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Patricio A Salazar
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sofía Nogales
- Department of Biology, Pontifica Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cassidi E Rush
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Adriana D Briscoe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ryan I Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA
| | - Marcus R Kronforst
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Keith R Willmott
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Sean P Mullen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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17
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Kikuchi DW, Dornhaus A, Gopeechund V, Sherratt TN. Signal categorization by foraging animals depends on ecological diversity. eLife 2019; 8:e43965. [PMID: 31021317 PMCID: PMC6510532 DOI: 10.7554/elife.43965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Warning signals displayed by defended prey are mimicked by both mutualistic (Müllerian) and parasitic (Batesian) species. Yet mimicry is often imperfect: why does selection not improve mimicry? Predators create selection on warning signals, so predator psychology is crucial to understanding mimicry. We conducted experiments where humans acted as predators in a virtual ecosystem to ask how prey diversity affects the way that predators categorize prey phenotypes as profitable or unprofitable. The phenotypic diversity of prey communities strongly affected predator categorization. Higher diversity increased the likelihood that predators would use a 'key' trait to form broad categories, even if it meant committing errors. Broad categorization favors the evolution of mimicry. Both species richness and evenness contributed significantly to this effect. This lets us view the behavioral and evolutionary processes leading to mimicry in light of classical community ecology. Broad categorization by receivers is also likely to affect other forms of signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David William Kikuchi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Anna Dornhaus
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
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18
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Briolat ES, Burdfield‐Steel ER, Paul SC, Rönkä KH, Seymoure BM, Stankowich T, Stuckert AMM. Diversity in warning coloration: selective paradox or the norm? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:388-414. [PMID: 30152037 PMCID: PMC6446817 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Aposematic theory has historically predicted that predators should select for warning signals to converge on a single form, as a result of frequency-dependent learning. However, widespread variation in warning signals is observed across closely related species, populations and, most problematically for evolutionary biologists, among individuals in the same population. Recent research has yielded an increased awareness of this diversity, challenging the paradigm of signal monomorphy in aposematic animals. Here we provide a comprehensive synthesis of these disparate lines of investigation, identifying within them three broad classes of explanation for variation in aposematic warning signals: genetic mechanisms, differences among predators and predator behaviour, and alternative selection pressures upon the signal. The mechanisms producing warning coloration are also important. Detailed studies of the genetic basis of warning signals in some species, most notably Heliconius butterflies, are beginning to shed light on the genetic architecture facilitating or limiting key processes such as the evolution and maintenance of polymorphisms, hybridisation, and speciation. Work on predator behaviour is changing our perception of the predator community as a single homogenous selective agent, emphasising the dynamic nature of predator-prey interactions. Predator variability in a range of factors (e.g. perceptual abilities, tolerance to chemical defences, and individual motivation), suggests that the role of predators is more complicated than previously appreciated. With complex selection regimes at work, polytypisms and polymorphisms may even occur in Müllerian mimicry systems. Meanwhile, phenotypes are often multifunctional, and thus subject to additional biotic and abiotic selection pressures. Some of these selective pressures, primarily sexual selection and thermoregulation, have received considerable attention, while others, such as disease risk and parental effects, offer promising avenues to explore. As well as reviewing the existing evidence from both empirical studies and theoretical modelling, we highlight hypotheses that could benefit from further investigation in aposematic species. Finally by collating known instances of variation in warning signals, we provide a valuable resource for understanding the taxonomic spread of diversity in aposematic signalling and with which to direct future research. A greater appreciation of the extent of variation in aposematic species, and of the selective pressures and constraints which contribute to this once-paradoxical phenomenon, yields a new perspective for the field of aposematic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle S. Briolat
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life & Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterPenryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FEU.K.
| | - Emily R. Burdfield‐Steel
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskylä, 40014Finland
| | - Sarah C. Paul
- Centre for Ecology & Conservation, College of Life & Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterPenryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FEU.K.
- Department of Chemical EcologyBielefeld UniversityUniversitätsstraße 25, 33615, BielefeldGermany
| | - Katja H. Rönkä
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskylä, 40014Finland
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinki, 00014Finland
| | - Brett M. Seymoure
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO 80525U.S.A.
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO 80525U.S.A.
| | - Theodore Stankowich
- Department of Biological SciencesCalifornia State UniversityLong BeachCA 90840U.S.A.
| | - Adam M. M. Stuckert
- Department of BiologyEast Carolina University1000 E Fifth St, GreenvilleNC 27858U.S.A.
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19
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Marples NM, Speed MP, Thomas RJ. An individual-based profitability spectrum for understanding interactions between predators and their prey. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Marples
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Eire
| | - Michael P Speed
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert J Thomas
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, UK
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20
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Rönkä K, Mappes J, Michalis C, Kiviö R, Salokannas J, Rojas B. Can multiple-model mimicry explain warning signal polymorphism in the wood tiger moth, Arctia plantaginis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Rönkä
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI, Finland
| | - J Mappes
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI, Finland
| | - C Michalis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - R Kiviö
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI, Finland
| | - J Salokannas
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI, Finland
| | - B Rojas
- Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FI, Finland
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21
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Komata S, Lin CP, Sota T. Temporal dynamics of the mimetic allele frequency at the doublesex locus, which controls polymorphic Batesian mimicry in Papilio memnon butterflies. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12926. [PMID: 29018221 PMCID: PMC5635110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13419-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tracking allele frequencies is essential for understanding how polymorphisms of adaptive traits are maintained. In Papilio memnon butterflies, which exhibit a female-limited Batesian mimicry polymorphism (wing-pattern polymorphism), two alleles at the doublesex (dsx) locus correspond to mimetic and non-mimetic forms in females; males carry both dsx alleles but display only the non-mimetic form. This polymorphism is thought to be maintained by a negative frequency-dependent selection. By tracking dsx allele frequencies in both sexes at a Taiwanese site over four years, we found that the mimetic allele persists at intermediate frequencies even when the unpalatable model papilionid butterflies (Pachliopta and Atrophaneura species) were very rare or absent. The rates of male mate choice did not differ between the two female forms; neither did insemination number nor age composition, suggesting equivalent reproductive performance of the two forms over time. Our results characterised the temporal dynamics of the mimetic allele frequency in the field for the first time and give insights into underlying processes involved in the persistence of the female-limited Batesian mimicry polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Komata
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Chung-Ping Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teiji Sota
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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22
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Veselý P, Ernestová B, Nedvěd O, Fuchs R. Do predator energy demands or previous exposure influence protection by aposematic coloration of prey? Curr Zool 2017; 63:259-267. [PMID: 29491984 PMCID: PMC5804175 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence exists that aposematic and toxic prey may be included in a predator's diet when the predator experiences physiological stress. The tree sparrow Passer montanus is known to have a significant portion of aposematic and toxic ladybirds in its natural diet. Here, we present experiments testing the attack and eating rate of the tree sparrow toward the invasive aposematic harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis. We wondered whether the sparrow's ability to prey on native ladybirds predisposes them to also prey on harlequin ladybirds. We compared the attack and eating rates of tree sparrows of particular age and/or experience classes to test for any changes during ontogeny (hand-reared × young wild-caught ×adult wild-caught) and with differing perceived levels of physiological stress (summer adult × winter adult). Winter adult tree sparrows commonly attacked and ate the offered ladybirds with no evidence of disgust or metabolic difficulties after ingestion. Naïve and wild immature tree sparrows attacked the ladybirds but hesitated to eat them. Adult tree sparrows caught in the summer avoided attacking the ladybirds. These results suggest that tree sparrows are able to cope with chemicals ingested along with the ladybirds. This pre-adaptation enables them to include ladybirds in their diet; though they commonly do this only in times of shortage in insect availability (winter). Young sparrows showed avoidance toward the chemical protection of the ladybirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Veselý
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Ernestová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Nedvěd
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Fuchs
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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23
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Aubier TG, Joron M, Sherratt TN. Mimicry among Unequally Defended Prey Should Be Mutualistic When Predators Sample Optimally. Am Nat 2017; 189:267-282. [DOI: 10.1086/690121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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24
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Halpin CG, Skelhorn J, Rowe C, Ruxton GD, Higginson AD. The Impact of Detoxification Costs and Predation Risk on Foraging: Implications for Mimicry Dynamics. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169043. [PMID: 28045959 PMCID: PMC5207405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Prey often evolve defences to deter predators, such as noxious chemicals including toxins. Toxic species often advertise their defence to potential predators by distinctive sensory signals. Predators learn to associate toxicity with the signals of these so-called aposematic prey, and may avoid them in future. In turn, this selects for mildly toxic prey to mimic the appearance of more toxic prey. Empirical evidence shows that mimicry could be either beneficial (‘Mullerian’) or detrimental (‘quasi-Batesian’) to the highly toxic prey, but the factors determining which are unknown. Here, we use state-dependent models to explore how tri-trophic interactions could influence the evolution of prey defences. We consider how predation risk affects predators’ optimal foraging strategies on aposematic prey, and explore the resultant impact this has on mimicry dynamics between unequally defended species. In addition, we also investigate how the potential energetic cost of metabolising a toxin can alter the benefits to eating toxic prey and thus impact on predators’ foraging decisions. Our model predicts that both how predators perceive their own predation risk, and the cost of detoxification, can have significant, sometimes counterintuitive, effects on the foraging decisions of predators. For example, in some conditions predators should: (i) avoid prey they know to be undefended, (ii) eat more mildly toxic prey as detoxification costs increase, (iii) increase their intake of highly toxic prey as the abundance of undefended prey increases. These effects mean that the relationship between a mimic and its model can qualitatively depend on the density of alternative prey and the cost of metabolising toxins. In addition, these effects are mediated by the predators’ own predation risk, which demonstrates that, higher trophic levels than previously considered can have fundamental impacts on interactions among aposematic prey species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina G. Halpin
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - John Skelhorn
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Candy Rowe
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme D. Ruxton
- School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Higginson
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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25
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Smith KE, Halpin CG, Rowe C. The benefits of being toxic to deter predators depends on prey body size. Behav Ecol 2016; 27:1650-1655. [PMID: 28028378 PMCID: PMC5181525 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many prey have evolved toxins as a defense against predation. Those species that advertise their toxicity to would-be predators with conspicuous warning signals are known as "aposematic." Investment in toxicity by aposematically signaling prey is thought to underpin how aversive prey are to predators; increasing toxicity means that predators learn to avoid prey faster and attack them at lower rates. However, predators' foraging decisions on aposematic prey are determined not only by their toxicity, but also by their nutrient content: predators can trade-off the costs of ingesting toxin with the benefits of acquiring nutrients. Prey body size is a cue that positively correlates with nutrient content, and that varies within and between aposematic species. We predicted that a dose of quinine (known to be toxic to birds) would be a more effective deterrent to avian predators when prey were small compared with when they were large, and that the benefits of possessing toxin would be greater for small-bodied prey. Using an established laboratory protocol of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) foraging on mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), we found evidence for increased protection from a dose of quinine for small-bodied compared with large-bodied prey. This shows that larger prey need more toxin to attain the same level of defense as smaller prey, which has implications for the evolution of aposematism and mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Smith
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , UK
| | - Christina G Halpin
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , UK
| | - Candy Rowe
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , UK
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26
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27
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28
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Mokkonen M, Lindstedt C. The evolutionary ecology of deception. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 91:1020-1035. [PMID: 26118820 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Through dishonest signals or actions, individuals often misinform others to their own benefit. We review recent literature to explore the evolutionary and ecological conditions for deception to be more likely to evolve and be maintained. We identify four conditions: (1) high misinformation potential through perceptual constraints of perceiver; (2) costs and benefits of responding to deception; (3) asymmetric power relationships between individuals and (4) exploitation of common goods. We discuss behavioural and physiological mechanisms that form a deception continuum from secrecy to overt signals. Deceptive tactics usually succeed by being rare and are often evolving under co-evolutionary arms races, sometimes leading to the evolution of polymorphism. The degree of deception can also vary depending on the environmental conditions. Finally, we suggest a conceptual framework for studying deception and highlight important questions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Mokkonen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Carita Lindstedt
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, Jyväskylä 40014, Finland
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29
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Avian predators change their foraging strategy on defended prey when undefended prey are hard to find. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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30
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Bloxham L, Bateson M, Bedford T, Brilot B, Nettle D. The memory of hunger: developmental plasticity of dietary selectivity in the European starling, Sturnus vulgaris.. Anim Behav 2014; 91:33-40. [PMID: 24910465 PMCID: PMC4045381 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The decision to consume toxic prey is a trade-off between the benefits of obtaining nutrients and the costs of ingesting toxins. This trade-off is affected by current state: animals will consume more toxic prey if they are food deprived. However, whether the trade-off is affected by developmental history is currently unknown. We studied the decision to eat quinine-injected mealworms in adult starling siblings that had been exposed to either high or low levels of food competition as chicks, via a brood size manipulation. At the time of our experiments, the two groups of birds did not differ in size, body weight or current environment. Each bird was presented with the toxic prey while living on a high-quality diet and a low-quality diet. We found an effect of diet, with birds consuming more toxic prey while on the low-quality diet, and also of developmental history, with birds from the high-competition brood size treatment eating more toxic prey than their low-competition siblings. The effects of brood size treatment were not completely mediated by early growth, although we did find evidence that early growth affected toxic prey consumption independently of brood size treatment. We discuss our results in relation to adaptive developmental plasticity and the developmental origins of behavioural variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bloxham
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution & Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, U.K
| | - Melissa Bateson
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution & Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, U.K
| | - Thomas Bedford
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution & Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, U.K
| | - Ben Brilot
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution & Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, U.K. ; School of Biological Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, U.K
| | - Daniel Nettle
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution & Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, U.K
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Fabricant SA, Exnerová A, Ježová D, Štys P. Scared by shiny? The value of iridescence in aposematic signalling of the hibiscus harlequin bug. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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32
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Abstract
Avian predators readily learn to associate the warning coloration of aposematic prey with the toxic effects of ingesting them, but they do not necessarily exclude aposematic prey from their diets. By eating aposematic prey ‘educated’ predators are thought to be trading-off the benefits of gaining nutrients with the costs of eating toxins. However, while we know that the toxin content of aposematic prey affects the foraging decisions made by avian predators, the extent to which the nutritional content of toxic prey affects predators' decisions to eat them remains to be tested. Here, we show that European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) increase their intake of a toxic prey type when the nutritional content is artificially increased, and decrease their intake when nutritional enrichment is ceased. This clearly demonstrates that birds can detect the nutritional content of toxic prey by post-ingestive feedback, and use this information in their foraging decisions, raising new perspectives on the evolution of prey defences. Nutritional differences between individuals could result in equally toxic prey being unequally predated, and might explain why some species undergo ontogenetic shifts in defence strategies. Furthermore, the nutritional value of prey will likely have a significant impact on the evolutionary dynamics of mimicry systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina G Halpin
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
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33
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34
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Nokelainen O, Valkonen J, Lindstedt C, Mappes J. Changes in predator community structure shifts the efficacy of two warning signals in Arctiid moths. J Anim Ecol 2014; 83:598-605. [PMID: 24164666 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphism in warning coloration is puzzling because positive frequency-dependent selection by predators is expected to promote monomorphic warning signals in defended prey. We studied predation on the warning-coloured wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) by using artificial prey resembling white and yellow male colour morphs in five separate populations with different naturally occurring morph frequencies. We tested whether predation favours one of the colour morphs over the other and whether that is influenced either by local, natural colour morph frequencies or predator community composition. We found that yellow specimens were attacked less than white ones regardless of the local frequency of the morphs indicating frequency-independent selection, but predation did depend on predator community composition: yellows suffered less attacks when Paridae were abundant, whereas whites suffered less attacks when Prunellidae were abundant. Our results suggest that spatial heterogeneity in predator community composition can generate a geographical mosaic of selection facilitating the evolution of polymorphic warning signals. This is the first time this mechanism gains experimental support. Altogether, this study sheds light on the evolution of adaptive coloration in heterogeneous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossi Nokelainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Finland
| | - Janne Valkonen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Finland
| | - Carita Lindstedt
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Finland
| | - Johanna Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Biological Interactions, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Finland
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35
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The effect of dominance on polymorphism in Müllerian mimicry. J Theor Biol 2013; 337:101-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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36
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Chatelain M, Halpin C, Rowe C. Ambient temperature influences birds' decisions to eat toxic prey. Anim Behav 2013; 86:733-740. [PMID: 24109148 PMCID: PMC3791422 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aposematic prey warn predators of their toxicity using conspicuous signals. However, predators regularly include aposematic prey in their diets, particularly when they are in a poor energetic state and in need of nutrients. We investigated whether or not an environmental factor, ambient temperature, could change the energetic state of predators and lead to an increased intake of prey that they know to contain toxins. We found that European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, increased their consumption of mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, prey containing quinine (a mild toxin) when the ambient temperature was reduced below their thermoneutral zone from 20 °C to 6 °C. The birds differed in their sensitivity to changes in ambient temperature, with heavier birds increasing the number of toxic prey they ate more rapidly with decreasing temperature compared to birds with lower body mass. This could have been the result of their requiring more nutrients at lower temperatures or being better able to detoxify quinine. Taken together, our results suggest that conspicuous coloration may be more costly at lower temperatures, and that aposematic prey may need to invest more in chemical defences as temperatures decline. Our study also provides novel insights into what factors affect birds' decisions to eat toxic prey, and demonstrates that selection pressures acting on prey defences can vary with changing temperature across days, seasons, climes, and potentially in response to climate change. We investigated the effect of temperature on birds' decisions to eat toxic prey. As it got cooler, birds were more likely to eat prey containing toxins. Heavier birds were more sensitive to changes in temperature. Selection pressures on prey defences will change over days, seasons and climes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Chatelain
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - C.G. Halpin
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, U.K
| | - C. Rowe
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, U.K
- Correspondence: C. Rowe, Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Henry Wellcome Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle NE2 4HH, U.K.
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van Gils JA, van der Geest M, Leyrer J, Oudman T, Lok T, Onrust J, de Fouw J, van der Heide T, van den Hout PJ, Spaans B, Dekinga A, Brugge M, Piersma T. Toxin constraint explains diet choice, survival and population dynamics in a molluscivore shorebird. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20130861. [PMID: 23740782 PMCID: PMC3774237 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent insights suggest that predators should include (mildly) toxic prey when non-toxic food is scarce. However, the assumption that toxic prey is energetically as profitable as non-toxic prey misses the possibility that non-toxic prey have other ways to avoid being eaten, such as the formation of an indigestible armature. In that case, predators face a trade-off between avoiding toxins and minimizing indigestible ballast intake. Here, we report on the trophic interactions between a shorebird (red knot, Calidris canutus canutus) and its two main bivalve prey, one being mildly toxic but easily digestible, and the other being non-toxic but harder to digest. A novel toxin-based optimal diet model is developed and tested against an existing one that ignores toxin constraints on the basis of data on prey abundance, diet choice, local survival and numbers of red knots at Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania) over 8 years. Observed diet and annual survival rates closely fit the predictions of the toxin-based model, with survival and population size being highest in years when the non-toxic prey is abundant. In the 6 of 8 years when the non-toxic prey is not abundant enough to satisfy the energy requirements, red knots must rely on the toxic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A van Gils
- Department of Marine Ecology, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg (Texel), The Netherlands.
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38
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Predators' decisions to eat defended prey depend on the size of undefended prey. Anim Behav 2013; 85:1315-1321. [PMID: 23814280 PMCID: PMC3693033 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Predators that have learned to associate warning coloration with toxicity often continue to include aposematic prey in their diet in order to gain the nutrients and energy that they contain. As body size is widely reported to correlate with energetic content, we predicted that prey size would affect predators' decisions to eat aposematic prey. We used a well-established system of wild-caught European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, foraging on mealworms, Tenebrio molitor, to test how the size of undefended (water-injected) and defended (quinine-injected) prey, on different coloured backgrounds, affected birds' decisions to eat defended prey. We found that birds ate fewer defended prey, and less quinine, when undefended prey were large compared with when they were small, but that the size of the defended prey had no effect on the numbers eaten. Consequently, we found no evidence that the mass of the defended prey or the overall mass of prey ingested affected the amount of toxin that a predator was willing to ingest, and instead the mass of undefended prey eaten was more important. This is a surprising finding, challenging the assumptions of state-dependent models of aposematism and mimicry, and highlighting the need to understand better the mechanisms of predator decision making. In addition, the birds did not learn to discriminate visually between defended and undefended prey based on size, but only on the basis of colour. This suggests that colour signals may be more salient to predators than size differences, allowing Batesian mimics to benefit from aposematic models even when they differ in size.
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Ihalainen E, Rowland HM, Speed MP, Ruxton GD, Mappes J. Prey community structure affects how predators select for Mullerian mimicry. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:2099-105. [PMID: 22237908 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.2360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Müllerian mimicry describes the close resemblance between aposematic prey species; it is thought to be beneficial because sharing a warning signal decreases the mortality caused by sampling by inexperienced predators learning to avoid the signal. It has been hypothesized that selection for mimicry is strongest in multi-species prey communities where predators are more prone to misidentify the prey than in simple communities. In this study, wild great tits (Parus major) foraged from either simple (few prey appearances) or complex (several prey appearances) artificial prey communities where a specific model prey was always present. Owing to slower learning, the model did suffer higher mortality in complex communities when the birds were inexperienced. However, in a subsequent generalization test to potential mimics of the model prey (a continuum of signal accuracy), only birds that had foraged from simple communities selected against inaccurate mimics. Therefore, accurate mimicry is more likely to evolve in simple communities even though predator avoidance learning is slower in complex communities. For mimicry to evolve, prey species must have a common predator; the effective community consists of the predator's diet. In diverse environments, the limited diets of specialist predators could create 'simple community pockets' where accurate mimicry is selected for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eira Ihalainen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Research, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Barnett CA, Skelhorn J, Bateson M, Rowe C. Educated predators make strategic decisions to eat defended prey according to their toxin content. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Rowland HM, Mappes J, Ruxton GD, Speed MP. Mimicry between unequally defended prey can be parasitic: evidence for quasi-Batesian mimicry. Ecol Lett 2010; 13:1494-502. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01539.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rowland HM, Wiley E, Ruxton GD, Mappes J, Speed MP. When more is less: the fitness consequences of predators attacking more unpalatable prey when more are presented. Biol Lett 2010; 6:732-5. [PMID: 20444759 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2010.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1879, Fritz Müller hypothesized that mimetic resemblance in which defended prey display the same warning signal would share the costs of predator education. Although Müller argued that predators would need to ingest a fixed number of prey with a given visual signal when learning to avoid unpalatable prey, this assumption lacks empirical support. We report an experiment which shows that, as the number of unpalatable prey presented to them increased, avian predators attacked higher numbers of those prey. We calculated that, when predators increase attacks, the fitness costs incurred by unpalatable prey can be substantial. This suggests that the survival benefits of mimicry could be lower than Müller proposed. An important finding is, however, that these costs decline in importance as the total number of available prey increases.
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Nathaniel Holland J, DeAngelis DL. Consumer-resource theory predicts dynamic transitions between outcomes of interspecific interactions. Ecol Lett 2009; 12:1357-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2009.01390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Honma A, Takakura KI, Nishida T. Optimal-foraging predator favors commensalistic Batesian mimicry. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3411. [PMID: 18923676 PMCID: PMC2565832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mimicry, in which one prey species (the Mimic) imitates the aposematic signals of another prey (the Model) to deceive their predators, has attracted the general interest of evolutionary biologists. Predator psychology, especially how the predator learns and forgets, has recently been recognized as an important factor in a predator–prey system. This idea is supported by both theoretical and experimental evidence, but is also the source of a good deal of controversy because of its novel prediction that in a Model/Mimic relationship even a moderately unpalatable Mimic increases the risk of the Model (quasi-Batesian mimicry). Methodology/Principal Findings We developed a psychology-based Monte Carlo model simulation of mimicry that incorporates a “Pavlovian” predator that practices an optimal foraging strategy, and examined how various ecological and psychological factors affect the relationships between a Model prey species and its Mimic. The behavior of the predator in our model is consistent with that reported by experimental studies, but our simulation's predictions differed markedly from those of previous models of mimicry because a more abundant Mimic did not increase the predation risk of the Model when alternative prey were abundant. Moreover, a quasi-Batesian relationship emerges only when no or very few alternative prey items were available. Therefore, the availability of alternative prey rather than the precise method of predator learning critically determines the relationship between Model and Mimic. Moreover, the predation risk to the Model and Mimic is determined by the absolute density of the Model rather than by its density relative to that of the Mimic. Conclusions/Significance Although these predictions are counterintuitive, they can explain various kinds of data that have been offered in support of competitive theories. Our model results suggest that to understand mimicry in nature it is important to consider the likely presence of alternative prey and the possibility that predation pressure is not constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Honma
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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The evolution of Müllerian mimicry. Naturwissenschaften 2008; 95:681-95. [PMID: 18542902 PMCID: PMC2443389 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-008-0403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2008] [Revised: 04/26/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is now 130 years since Fritz Müller proposed an evolutionary explanation for the close similarity of co-existing unpalatable prey species, a phenomenon now known as Müllerian mimicry. Müller’s hypothesis was that unpalatable species evolve a similar appearance to reduce the mortality involved in training predators to avoid them, and he backed up his arguments with a mathematical model in which predators attack a fixed number (n) of each distinct unpalatable type in a given season before avoiding them. Here, I review what has since been discovered about Müllerian mimicry and consider in particular its relationship to other forms of mimicry. Müller’s specific model of associative learning involving a “fixed n” in a given season has not been supported, and several experiments now suggest that two distinct unpalatable prey types may be just as easy to learn to avoid as one. Nevertheless, Müller’s general insight that novel unpalatable forms have higher mortality than common unpalatable forms as a result of predation has been well supported by field experiments. From its inception, there has been a heated debate over the nature of the relationship between Müllerian co-mimics that differ in their level of defence. There is now a growing awareness that this relationship can be mediated by many factors, including synergistic effects between co-mimics that differ in their mode of defence, rates of generalisation among warning signals and concomitant changes in prey density as mimicry evolves. I highlight areas for future enquiry, including the possibility of Müllerian mimicry systems based on profitability rather than unprofitability and the co-evolution of defence.
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48
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Butterfly effects in mimicry? Combining signal and taste can twist the relationship of Müllerian co-mimics. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-008-0555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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49
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Ihalainen E, Lindström L, Mappes J, Puolakkainen S. Can experienced birds select for Müllerian mimicry? Behav Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arm151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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50
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Abstract
Mimetic species have evolved to resemble other species to avoid predation (protective mimicry) or gain access to food (aggressive mimicry). Mimicry systems are frequently tripartite interactions involving a mimic, model and 'signal receiver'. Changes in the strength of the relationship between model and signal receiver, owing to shifting environmental conditions, for example, can affect the success of mimics in protective mimicry systems. Here, we show that an experimentally induced shift in the strength of the relationship between a model (bluestreak cleaner fish, Labroides dimidiatus) and a signal receiver (staghorn damselfish, Amblyglyphidodon curacao) resulted in increased foraging success for an aggressive mimic (bluestriped fangblenny, Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos). When the parasite loads of staghorn damselfish clients were experimentally increased, the attack success of bluestriped fangblenny on damselfish also increased. Enhanced mimic success appeared to be due to relaxation of vigilance by parasitized clients, which sought cleaners more eagerly and had lower overall aggression levels. Signal receivers may therefore be more tolerant of and/or more vulnerable to attacks from aggressive mimics when the net benefit of interacting with their models is high. Changes in environmental conditions that cause shifts in the net benefits accrued by models and signal receivers may have important implications for the persistence of aggressive mimicry systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Cheney
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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