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The evolution of imperfect mimicry

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  • Thomas N. Sherratt

Abstract

Examples of imperfect resemblance between Batesian mimics and their models appear widespread in the natural world, but so far few quantitative models have been proposed to explain the phenomenon. I used a simple signal detection model to show that the relationship between model--mimic similarity and mimic effectiveness is typically nonlinear. In particular, I found that there will be little or no further selection to improve model--mimic resemblance beyond a certain level if the model species is costly to attack, if the mimic species is not particularly profitable (e.g., hard to catch), or if the mimic is relatively rare. When there are two different sympatric model species, then mimics should usually evolve a phenotypic similarity to one or the other model species, but not to both. In contrast, when several model species occur in different areas (or emerge at different times) and individual mimics use each of these areas, then the optimal phenotype should be a "jack-of-all-trades" intermediate phenotype that does not closely resemble any particular model species. Somewhat surprisingly, the theory predicts that if mimics spend an equal amount of time with each model species, then the optimal intermediate phenotype should more closely resemble the least numerous and least noxious model. This phenomenon arises because a vague similarity to an extremely noxious species is usually sufficient to guarantee significant protection, whereas a much closer resemblance to a mildly noxious model species is necessary to afford a similar level of benefit. Copyright 2002.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas N. Sherratt, 2002. "The evolution of imperfect mimicry," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 13(6), pages 821-826, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:13:y:2002:i:6:p:821-826
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas W Pike & Oliver H P Burman, 2023. "Model aversiveness and the evolution of imperfect Batesian mimics," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 34(5), pages 907-912.
    2. Wenkai Huang & Feng Zhan, 2023. "A Novel Probabilistic Diffusion Model Based on the Weak Selection Mimicry Theory for the Generation of Hypnotic Songs," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-26, July.
    3. William E. Feeney & Mary Caswell Stoddard & Rebecca M. Kilner & Naomi E. Langmore, 2014. ""Jack-of-all-trades" egg mimicry in the brood parasitic Horsfield’s bronze-cuckoo?," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 25(6), pages 1365-1373.
    4. Kevin R. Abbott & Thomas N. Sherratt, 2013. "Optimal sampling and signal detection: unifying models of attention and speed–accuracy trade-offs," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 24(3), pages 605-616.
    5. John Skelhorn & Graeme D. Ruxton, 2013. "Size-dependent microhabitat selection by masquerading prey," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 24(1), pages 89-97.

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