Overview

This book discusses the diversity of mechanisms by which prey avoid attack by predators and explores how such defensive mechanisms have evolved through natural selection. It considers how potential prey avoid detection, how they make themselves unprofitable to attack, how they signal their unprofitability, and how other species have exploited these signals. Using carefully selected examples drawn from a wide range of species and ecosystems, the authors present a critical analysis of the most important published works in the field. Illustrative examples of camouflage, mimicry and warning signals regularly appear in undergraduate ecology textbooks, but these subjects are rarely considered in depth. This book summarises some of the latest research into these fascinating adaptations, developing mathematical models where appropriate and making recommendations for the most urgently needed outstanding areas of enquiry.

Full Product Details

Author:   Graeme D. Ruxton (Professor of Theoretical Ecology, University of Glasgow) ,  Tom N. Sherratt (Department of Biology, Carleton University, Canada) ,  Mike Speed (School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool)
Publisher:   Oxford University Press
Imprint:   Oxford University Press
Dimensions:   Width: 19.00cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 24.60cm
Weight:   0.529kg
ISBN:  

9780198528609

ISBN 10:   0198528604
Pages:   264
Publication Date:   21 October 2004
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Out of Print
Availability:   Out of stock  

Table of Contents

AVOIDING DETECTION 1: Background Matching 2: Disruptive Coloration 3: Countershading 4: Transparency and Silvering SIGNALLING UNPROFITABILITY 5: Secondary Defences 6: Signalling to Predators 7: The Form and Function of Warning Displays 8: The Initial Evolution of Warning Displays 9: The Evolution and Maintenance of Mullerian Mimicry DECEIVING PREDATORS 10: The Evolution and Maintenance of Batesian Mimicry 11: The Relationship Between Batesian and Mullerian Mimicry 12: Other Forms of Adaptive Resemblance 13: Deflection and Startling of Predators 14: General Conclusions Appendix 1: A summary of mathematical and computer models that deal with Mullerian mimcry Appendix 2: A summary of mathematical and computer models that deal with Batesian mimcry

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Author Information

Graeme Ruxton has co-written two books, both published by Oxford University Press - 'Living in Groups' (2002) for the Oxford Series in Ecology and Evolution, and the textbook 'Elementary Experimental Design for the Life Sciences' (2003). He is also the author of over 100 scientific articles. His background in physics provides particular strength in the functional aspects of signalling systems discussed in this book. Tom Sherratt is the author of nearly 50 scientific papers on subjects ranging from the evolution of co-operation, to the maintenance of imperfect mimicry and the evolution of warning signals. His practical background in both tropical and temperate entomology (principally damselflies and mosquitoes) has been of great value in evaluating empirical work in this broad field, whilst his wide interests in evolutionary biology and foraging theory complement those of his co-authors in placing empirical findings within an appropriate theoretical context. Mike Speed has worked for over a decade on the role of predator behaviour in the generation of insect warning signals. He is consulting editor for the journal Animal Behaviour and a member of the education committee of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. His publications span theoretical and empirical studies of mimicry and aposematism

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