Resemblance to the Enemy's Eyes Underlies the Intimidating Effect of Eyespots
| Autor: | Sami Merilaita, Karin Kjernsmo |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2017 |
| Předmět: |
0106 biological sciences
0301 basic medicine Deception Predation Color Biology Eye 010603 evolutionary biology 01 natural sciences 03 medical and health sciences Predatory behavior Animals Wings Animal Protective coloration Predator Ecology Evolution Behavior and Systematics Eyespots Eye mimicry Ecology Biological evolution Lateral position Biological Evolution Fish 030104 developmental biology Evolutionary biology Predatory Behavior Mimicry Eyespot Fish Butterflies |
| Zdroj: | Kjernsmo, K & Merilaita, S 2017, ' Resemblance to the Enemy's Eyes Underlies the Intimidating Effect of Eyespots ', American Naturalist, vol. 190, no. 4, pp. 594-600 . https://doi.org/10.1086/693473 |
| ISSN: | 1537-5323 |
| DOI: | 10.1086/693473 |
| Popis: | Eyespots of some prey are known to deter predators, but the reason for this response has not yet been established, and thus the taxonomically widespread occurrence of this color pattern has remained an evolutionary conundrum. Two alternative hypotheses propose that (1) the eyelike appearance of the pattern falsely indicates the presence of the predator’s own enemy or (2) predators are hardwired to be cautious toward conspicuous prey. Earlier research has pertained mainly to eyespots in butterflies. Here we tested the hypothesis that eyespots resemble eyes by utilizing the lateral position of eyes in fishes. This allowed us to produce eyelike displays that did not have the round appearance of eyespots. Our study indicates that eye mimicry is an important factor evoking hesitation in predators. Moreover, we present direct evidence that this is because predators associate eyelike displays with the threat posed by their own enemies. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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