10.5061/DRYAD.2CF56
Qvarnström, Anna
Uppsala University
Rudh, Andreas
Uppsala University
Edström, Torkel
Uppsala University
Ödeen, Anders
Uppsala University
Løvlie, Hanne
Linköping University
Stockholm University
Tullberg, Birgitta
Stockholm University
Tullberg, Birgitta S.
Stockholm University
Data from: Coarse dark patterning functionally constrains adaptive shifts
from aposematism to crypsis in strawberry poison frogs
Dryad
dataset
2014
Dendrobates pumilio
Oophaga pumilio
2014-06-16T15:58:25Z
2014-06-16T15:58:25Z
en
https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.12487
72928 bytes
1
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Ecological specialization often requires tight co-evolution of several
traits, which may constrain future evolutionary pathways and make species
more prone to extinction. Aposematism and crypsis represent two
specialized adaptations to avoid predation. We tested whether the combined
effects of color and pattern on prey conspicuousness functionally
constrain or facilitate shifts between these two adaptations. We combined
data from 17 natural populations of Strawberry poison frogs, Oophaga
pumilio with an experimental approach using digitalized images of frogs
and chickens as predators. We show that bright coloration often co-occurs
with coarse patterning among the natural populations. Dull green frogs
with coarse patterning are rare in nature but in the experiment they were
as easily detected as bright red frogs suggesting that this trait
combination represent a transient evolutionary state towards aposematism.
Hence, a gain of either bright color or coarse patterning leads to
conspicuousness but a transition back to crypsis would be functionally
constrained in populations with both bright color and coarse patterning by
requiring simultaneous changes in two traits. Thus, populations (or
species) signaling aposematism by conspicuous color should be less likely
to face an evolutionary dead-end and more likely to radiate than
populations with both conspicuous color and coarse patterning.
Experimental test of color and patternInformation about and results from
the experimental test of color and pattern. The file include the 886
experimental trials included in the final analysis of the six artificial
prey. Individual is hen individual and treatment describe the type of
artificial prey design.Pattern and chromatic contrast dataTable with data
on chromatic contrast (Delta S) and measurements of dark dorsal patterns
in populations of Oophaga pumilio.