A1 Journal article (refereed)
The Effect of Predator Population Dynamics on Batesian Mimicry Complexes (2022)

Kikuchi, D. W., Barfield, M., Herberstein, M. E., Mappes, J., & Holt, R. D. (2022). The Effect of Predator Population Dynamics on Batesian Mimicry Complexes. American Naturalist, 199(3), 406-419. https://doi.org/10.1086/718162

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kikuchi, David W.; Barfield, Michael; Herberstein, Marie E.; Mappes, Johanna; Holt, Robert D.

Journal or series: American Naturalist

ISSN: 0003-0147

eISSN: 1537-5323

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 06/01/2022

Volume: 199

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 406-419

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/718162

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79840

Additional information: Original Fortran code for the model is available from Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5644610; Kikuchi et al. 2021a).

Abstract

Understanding Batesian mimicry is a classic problem in evolutionary biology. In Batesian mimicry, a defended species (the model) is mimicked by an undefended species (the mimic). Prior theories have emphasized the role of predator behavior and learning as well as evolution in model-mimic complexes but have not examined the role of population dynamics in potentially governing the relative abundances and even persistence of model-mimic systems. Here, we examined the effect of the population dynamics of predators and alternative prey on the prevalence of warning-signaling prey composed of models and mimics. Using optimal foraging theory and signal detection theory, we found that the inclusion of predator and alternative prey population dynamics could reverse traditional theoretical predictions: as alternative prey increase in numbers, mimics suffer because larger populations of predators are maintained, resulting in apparent competition. Under some circumstances, apparent competition affects model populations as well, although not as severely as it affects mimics. Our results bear on the intriguing puzzle that in nature warning signals are relatively scarce, yet experiments suggest that such signals can be highly advantageous. The availability of alternative prey and numerical responses by predators can overwhelm advantages observed in experiments to keep warning signals in model-mimic systems relatively scarce.

Keywords: warning coloration; mimicry; evolution; biotic communities; population dynamics

Free keywords: warning signal; aposematism; apparent competition; signal detection theory; community ecology; dynamics

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 3