The form and function of warning displays
Some prey that have secondary defences warn potential predators of these defences by means of conspicuous signals. Such aposematic signals are generally considered to aid in predators learning to avoid prey that utilise this signal. This chapter examines how the sensory and psychological properties of the predators are likely to influence signal decision in terms of ease of learning, memorability of signals, and recognizability and identification of signals. It also considers the importance of unlearned wariness of dangerous or otherwise unattractive prey.
Keywords: aposematism, aversion learning, signal properties, conspicuousness, predator psychology
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