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7 - Camouflage behaviour and body orientation on backgrounds containing directional patterns

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

By
Richard J. Webster ,
Alison Callahan ,
Jean-Guy J. Godin  and
Thomas N. Sherratt
Edited by
Martin Stevens  and
Sami Merilaita
Richard J. Webster
Affiliation:
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada
Alison Callahan
Affiliation:
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada
Jean-Guy J. Godin
Affiliation:
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada
Thomas N. Sherratt
Affiliation:
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada
Martin Stevens
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Sami Merilaita
Affiliation:
Åbo Akademi University, Finland
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Summary

The best-known interrelated mechanisms through which coloration can act to reduce predator detection rates of potential prey are background matching and disruptive coloration (Thayer 1909; Cott 1940; Kingsland 1978; Ruxton et al. 2004; Wilkinson & Sherratt 2008; Stevens & Merilaita 2009). With background matching, objects are difficult to detect simply due to their similarity to their background. Conversely, the striking/high-contrast markings involved in disruptive coloration create ‘the appearance of false edges and boundaries and hinders the detection or recognition of an object's outline and shape’ (Stevens & Merilaita 2009). Coloration is but one means through which animals achieve crypsis; others include behaviour and morphology, including body size and shape. Here we focus on behaviour and its interaction with coloration in relation to crypsis.

Type
Chapter
Information
Animal Camouflage
Mechanisms and Function
 , pp. 101 - 117
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

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