Predator perception and the interrelation between different forms of protective coloration.

Full Abstract

Animals possess a range of defensive markings to reduce the risk of predation, including warning colours, camouflage, eyespots and mimicry. These different strategies are frequently considered independently, and with little regard towards predator vision, even though they may be linked in various ways and can be fully understood only in terms of predator perception. For example, camouflage and warning coloration need not be mutually exclusive, and may frequently exploit similar features of visual perception. This paper outlines how different forms of protective markings can be understood from predator perception and illustrates how this is fundamental in determining the mechanisms underlying, and the interrelation between, different strategies. Suggestions are made for future work, and potential mechanisms discussed in relation to various forms of defensive coloration, including disruptive coloration, eyespots, dazzle markings, motion camouflage, aposematism and mimicry.

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Author information

Author/s: Stevens, Martin (M);

Affiliation: Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK. ms726(-atsign-)cam.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society (Proc Biol Sci), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jun; vol 274 (issue 1617) : pp 1457-64

Dates: Created 2007/06/12; Completed 2008/01/08; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 17426012, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Biological - physiology
Animals
Movement - physiology

Pigmentation - physiology
Predatory Behavior - physiology
Visual Perception - physiology

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