Biology Biotech
In nature, every little advantage an individual can confer on itself improves its chances of survival and, therefore, reproduction. One of the most prevalent tactics used by organisms to avoid or repel the unwanted attention of enemies is through the use of colours and patterns. Dr Sami Merilaita of the Åbo Akademi University has been exploring some of the mechanisms of camouflage and signalling, and the implications these can have on animal behaviour and variation.
Exploring the mechanisms of camouflage and signalling
One of the current focuses of Merilaita’s work on protective colours and patterns is the prevalence of so-called “eyespots” in nature. These concentric ring patterns (which often resemble eyes) are widespread among animals, from simple life forms such as flatworms, molluscs and insects to more complex organisms such as fish, reptiles and birds. “It’s very interesting that these distinct markings are found in such a wide variety of
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groups,” says Merilaita, “and so we have been looking at the reasons for why this might be.” Eyespots are often associated with anti- functions. They can be used to
predator
intimidate, as in the case of the peacock butterfly, whose large wing-based eyespots are thought to mimic the eyes of its predator’s own enemies. However, Merilaita has also shown that they can be used in slightly more subtle ways, for instance in
influencing the direction of attack from predators. Many species of coral reef dwelling butterflyfish have a large eyespot towards the back of their body, as well as a stripe through their actual eye that breaks up the shape and makes it difficult to discern which end of the fish is the head. “These kinds of deception can help to manipulate predator attacks so that the prey is more likely to escape and survive,” explains Merilaita.
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