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Frequency-dependent predation, crypsis and aposematic coloration.

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posted on 1988-01-01, 00:00 authored by John EndlerJohn Endler
Frequency-dependent predation may maintain or prevent colour pattern polymorphisms in prey, and can be caused by a variety of biological phenomena, including perceptual processes (search images), optimal foraging and learning. Most species are preyed upon by more than one predator species, which are likely to differ in foraging styles, perceptual and learning abilities. Depending upon the interaction between predator vision, background and colour pattern parameters, certain morphs may be actively maintained in some conditions and not in others, even with the same predators. More than one kind of predator will also affect stability, and only slight changes in conditions can cause a transition between polymorphism and monomorphism. Frequency-dependent selection is not a panacea for the explanation of variation in animal colour patterns, although it may be important in some systems.

History

Journal

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Volume

319

Pagination

505-523

Location

England

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

0962-8436

Language

eng

Publication classification

CN.1 Other journal article

Issue

1196

Publisher

Royal Society, The

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