It is normal for every animal to be predated by another. This caused several strategies to emerge in order to reduce predation and increase the survival of some beings. These strategies were selected through natural selection and it is possible to perceive them in the most varied species. O aposematism it is an example of a device that favors the survival of a group.
As you look at the figure above, you've probably noticed the strong colors on the monarch butterfly's wings. These strong colors, in addition to drawing attention to their beauty, indicate a warning.
O aposematism It's a strategy that is based on using warnings primarily through body coloring. This coloration decreases the likelihood of an attack from a predator. The monarch, therefore, is warning through her exuberant coloration that she has defenses.
The animal's defenses range from an unpleasant taste in the predator's mouth to the production of poisonous substances. Thus, when a bird, for example, tries to eat the monarch, it will have a bad taste and will learn not to mess with that animal. He starts to associate taste with coloring. In addition to the bad taste, some substances produced by aposematic animals can cause discomfort, vomiting and even death in predators.
In addition to the monarch, other animals have warning coloring, as is the case with some insects and amphibians. Some frogs secrete large amounts of toxic substances on their skin, however they have a strong color, indicating the presence of poison.
the frog Phyllobates terribilis has a lethal poison
It is important to note that while some animals try to camouflage themselves, making themselves confused with the environment in which they live, aposematic animals want to be seen by predators.
WARNING‼ Colors such as red, orange, yellow and black are considered warning colors. Therefore, when seeing animals with this coloration, it is best to avoid contact.
Learn about other animal strategies by accessing the links: mimicry and camouflage.
