Lecture 7: Communication Flashcards
Define ‘communication’.
The action on the part of an organism that alters the probability pattern behaviour of another organism in a fashion adaptive to either one or both of the organisms.
Define ‘signal’.
Any behavioural or morphological trait that conveys information from one individual to another.
Define ‘display’.
A highly honed (by natural selection), complex signalling behaviour, with a specific fitness-related purpose (e.g. a mating display).
What are pheromones?
Hormone analogs, chemical signalling between individuals e.g. alarm, sex, aggression pheromones… Usually transmitted through the air.
Why are signals and displays complex traits?
- They affect the fitness of more than one individual
2. Often evolve under selection on both parties.
What is aposematism?
Conspicuous colouration + noxiousness.
What is Mullerian mimicry?
Model and mimic are noxious.
What is Batesian mimicry?
Model is noxious but mimic is harmless.
Define automimicry.
The front of an organism is made to look like the back and vice versa.
Define ‘crypsis’ and give examples
The ability of an organism to avoid detection by blending into surroundings.
- disruptive colouration
- counter shading
- colour change
- camouflage.