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Paradox lost: Variable colour-pattern geometry is associated with differences in movement in aposematic frogs

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posted on 2014-01-01, 00:00 authored by B Rojas, J Devillechabrolle, John EndlerJohn Endler
Aposematic signal variation is a paradox: predators are better at learning and retaining the association between conspicuousness and unprofitability when signal variation is low. Movement patterns and variable colour patterns are linked in non-aposematic species: striped patterns generate illusions of altered speed and direction when moving linearly, affecting predators' tracking ability; blotched patterns benefit instead from unpredictable pauses and random movement. We tested whether the extensive colour-pattern variation in an aposematic frog is linked to movement, and found that individuals moving directionally and faster have more elongated patterns than individuals moving randomly and slowly. This may help explain the paradox of polymorphic aposematism: variable warning signals may reduce protection, but predator defence might still be effective if specific behaviours are tuned to specific signals. The interacting effects of behavioural and morphological traits may be a key to the evolution of warning signals. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

History

Journal

Biology Letters

Volume

10

Issue

6

ISSN

1744-9561

eISSN

1744-957X

Publication classification

C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2014, The Royal Society (of London)