Animal Behavior: Mimicry Lab Report
Taste Aversion Learning by Birds in Colchester, Vermont on the Saint Michael’s College campus: A Study of Batesian Mimicry
Dana Dipinto April 11,2012 Animal Behavior Mimicry Lab Report
Taste Aversion Learning by Birds in Colchester, Vermont on the Saint Michael’s College Campus: A Study of Batesian Mimicry
Abstract This study’s purpose was to learn and investigate the different aspects of Batesian mimicry, learn bird species common to the area, their different foraging behaviors, and investigate if a modification to their foraging behaviors can be implemented through learning. We will also measure the effectiveness of the mimicry when relative frequencies of models and mimics are changed. This was done by creating palatable and non-palatable red, green, and purple prey out of flour and lard. They were placed on a feeding try in random arrays with the same relative frequencies twice daily. Our groups null hypothesis was that there would be no particular preference in the colors of prey that were removed by the birds. After concluding our results we were able to reject our null hypothesis because our data indicated that there in fact was a particular preference in prey color chosen by the birds.
Introduction There are so many different species throughout nature that different species need to find ways to survive and not become victim to their predators. One tactic that species use in nature is mimicry. Species that are not poisonous will mimic the characteristics of other species that are. This will evade their predator keeping them safe and unharmed as a prey. Although there are many different types of mimicry, there are two main forms; Batesian mimicry and Mullerian mimicry. Batesian mimicry describes when there is an unpalatable model species and a palatable mimic species. The mimic takes on the appearance of a species that is
Dana Dipinto April 11,2012 Animal Behavior Mimicry Lab Report
Taste Aversion Learning by Birds in Colchester, Vermont on the Saint Michael’s College Campus: A Study of Batesian Mimicry
Abstract This study’s purpose was to learn and investigate the different aspects of Batesian mimicry, learn bird species common to the area, their different foraging behaviors, and investigate if a modification to their foraging behaviors can be implemented through learning. We will also measure the effectiveness of the mimicry when relative frequencies of models and mimics are changed. This was done by creating palatable and non-palatable red, green, and purple prey out of flour and lard. They were placed on a feeding try in random arrays with the same relative frequencies twice daily. Our groups null hypothesis was that there would be no particular preference in the colors of prey that were removed by the birds. After concluding our results we were able to reject our null hypothesis because our data indicated that there in fact was a particular preference in prey color chosen by the birds.
Introduction There are so many different species throughout nature that different species need to find ways to survive and not become victim to their predators. One tactic that species use in nature is mimicry. Species that are not poisonous will mimic the characteristics of other species that are. This will evade their predator keeping them safe and unharmed as a prey. Although there are many different types of mimicry, there are two main forms; Batesian mimicry and Mullerian mimicry. Batesian mimicry describes when there is an unpalatable model species and a palatable mimic species. The mimic takes on the appearance of a species that is
Cited: Banschbach, Valerie S. 2011. Taste-Aversion Learning by Birds: A Study of Batesian Mimicry. Chew, Peter Mimicry, Camoflague, and Deceptive Behavior, December 10, 2007 http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_insects/Mimicry.htm