Population differences in predation on Batesian mimics in allopatry with their model: selection against mimics is strongest when they are common |
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Authors: | David W Pfennig Jr" target="_blank">George R HarperJr Abel F Brumo William R Harcombe Karin S Pfennig |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA;(2) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA;(3) Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA |
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Abstract: | Batesian mimicry evolves when a palatable species, the “mimic,” resembles a dangerous species, the “model,” because both receive
protection from predation. Yet, this protection should break down where the model is absent, because predators in such areas
would not be under selection to avoid the model. Here, we test this prediction in a coral snake mimicry complex. We exposed
plasticine replicas of milk snakes that closely mimic coral snakes to natural predators to determine if good mimetic milk
snakes are preferentially attacked in allopatry with their model. Moreover, we evaluated whether attack rates on these replicas
varied among three different allopatric regions that differed in the type of mimic found locally (i.e., good mimic, poor mimic,
or no mimic). When all three regions were considered together, mimics were not preferentially attacked. When regions were
analyzed separately, however, attacks on mimics were significantly greater than randomness only where good mimics were found.
These variable levels of predation on good mimics might reflect frequency-dependent (i.e., apostatic) predation. In allopatric
regions where good mimics are present, predators might have learned or evolved preferences for conspicuous, palatable prey
that they encounter frequently. By contrast, in allopatric regions where good mimics are absent, predators might not have
learned or evolved preferences for novel phenotypes. Thus, when predation is frequency-dependent, as long as good mimics are
rare, they might not experience elevated levels of predation in allopatry with their model as predicted by the Batesian mimicry
hypothesis. |
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Keywords: | Apostatic predation Batesian mimicry Frequency-dependent selection Predation |
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