Evolutionary implications of the form of predator generalisation for aposematic signals and mimicry in prey

Ruxton, G.D., Franks, D.W., Balogh, A.C.V. and Leimar, O. (2008) Evolutionary implications of the form of predator generalisation for aposematic signals and mimicry in prey. Evolution, 62(11), pp. 2913-2921. (doi: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2008.00485.x)

Abstract

Generalisation is at the heart of many aspects of behavioural ecology; for foragers it can be seen as an essential feature of learning about potential prey, since natural populations of prey are unlikely to be perfectly homogenous. Aposematic signals are considered to aid predators in learning to avoid a class of defended prey. Predators do this by generalising between the appearance of prey they have previously sampled and the appearance of prey they subsequently encounter. Mimicry arises when such generalisation occurs between individuals of different species. Our aim here is to explore whether the specific shape of the generalisation curve can be expected to be important for theoretical predictions relating to the evolution of aposematism and mimicry. We do this by a re-analysis and development of the models provided in two recent papers. We argue that the shape of the generalisation curve, in combination with the nature of genetic and phenotypic variation in prey traits, can have evolutionary significance under certain delineated circumstances. We also demonstrate that the process of gradual evolution of Müllerian mimicry proposed by Fisher is particularly efficient in populations with a rich supply of standing genetic variation in mimetic traits.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ruxton, Professor Graeme
• Authors: Ruxton, G.D., Franks, D.W., Balogh, A.C.V., and Leimar, O.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Evolution
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• ISSN: 0014-3820