Skip to main content
Log in

Perceptual Processes and the Maintenance of Polymorphism Through Frequency-dependent Predation

  • Evolutionary Perspective
  • Published:
Evolutionary Ecology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

One of the key challenges of both ecology and evolutionary biology is to understand the mechanisms that maintain diversity. Negative frequency-dependent selection is a powerful mechanism for maintaining variation in the population as well as species diversity in the community. There are a number of studies showing that this type of selection, where individuals of a rare type (i.e. a rare morph or a rare species) experience higher survival than those of more common type(s). However, it is still not clear how frequency-dependent selection operates. Search image formation has been invoked as a possible, proximate explanation. Although the conceptual link between search image and frequency-dependent predation is often assumed in ecological and evolutionary studies, a review of the literature reveals a paucity of evidence demonstrating the occurrence of both in a natural predator-prey system. Advances in the field of psychology strongly support the existence of search image, yet these findings are not fully recognized in the realm of ecology and evolutionary biology, in part, we feel because of confusion and inconsistencies in terminology. Here we try to simplify the language, clarify the advances in the study of frequency-dependent predation and search image, and suggest avenues for future research. We feel that the investigations of both proximate (perceptual mechanisms) and ultimate (pattern of predation) processes are necessary to fully understand the importance of individual behavioural processes for mediating evolutionary and ecological diversity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • P.A. Abrams (1999) ArticleTitleThe adaptive dynamics of consumer choice Am. Nat 153 83–97 Occurrence Handle10.1086/303154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen (1972) ArticleTitleEvidence for stabilizing selection and apostatic selection in wild blackbirds Nature 237 348–349 Occurrence Handle10.1038/237348a0 Occurrence Handle4557405

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen (1988a) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection by predators Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 319 485–503

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen (1988b) ArticleTitleReflexive selection is apostatic selection Oikos 51 251–253

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen (1989) ArticleTitleSearching for search image Trends Evol. Ecol 4 361 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0169-5347(89)90098-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen B.C. Clarke (1968) ArticleTitleEvidence for apostatic selection by wild Passerines Nature 220 501–502 Occurrence Handle5686173

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen B.C. Clarke (1984) ArticleTitleFrequency dependent selection: homage to E.B. Poulton Biol. J. Linn. Soc 23 15–18

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Allen H.E. Raison M.E. Weale (1998) ArticleTitleThe influence of density on frequency-dependent selection by wild birds feeding on artificial prey Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 265 1031–1035 Occurrence Handle10.1098/rspb.1998.0395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • F.J. Ayala C.A. Campbell (1974) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst 5 115–138 Occurrence Handle10.1146/annurev.es.05.110174.000555

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N.H. Barton M. Turelli (1989) ArticleTitleEvolutionary quantitative genetics: how little do we know Ann. Rev. Genet 23 337–370 Occurrence Handle2694935

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • P.M. Blough (1991) ArticleTitleSelective attention and search images in pigeons J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 17 292–298 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.17.3.292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • P.M. Blough (1992) ArticleTitleDetectability and choice during visual search – joint effects of sequential priming and discriminability Anim. Learn. Behav 20 293–300

    Google Scholar 

  • P.M. Blough D.M. Lacourse (1994) ArticleTitleSequential priming in visual search – contributions of stimulus-driven facilitation and learned expectancies Anim. Learn. Behav 22 275–281

    Google Scholar 

  • A.B. Bond (1983) ArticleTitleVisual search and selection of natural stimuli in the pigeon: the attention threshold hypothesis J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 9 292–306 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.9.3.292

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A.B. Bond A.C. Kamil (1998) ArticleTitleApostatic selection by blue jays produces balanced polymorphism in virtual prey Nature 395 594–595 Occurrence Handle10.1038/26961

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A.B. Bond A.C. Kamil (2002) ArticleTitleVisual predators select for crypticity and polymorphism in virtual prey Nature 415 609–613 Occurrence Handle10.1038/415609a Occurrence Handle11832937

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • A.B. Bond D.A. Riley (1991) ArticleTitleSearching image in the pigeon – test of 3 hypothetical mechanisms Ethology 87 203–224

    Google Scholar 

  • A.J. Cain P.M. Sheppard (1954) ArticleTitleNatural selection in Cepaea Genetics 39 89–116

    Google Scholar 

  • G.R. Carvalho P.W. Shaw A.E. Magurran B.H. Seghers (1991) ArticleTitleMarked genetic-divergence revealed by allozymes among populations of the guppy Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae), in Trinidad Biol. J. linn. Soc 42 389–405

    Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Castillo C. Cordero C.A. Domínguez (2002) ArticleTitleAre reward polymorphisms subject to frequency- and density-dependent selection? Evidence from a monoecious species pollinated by deceit J. Evol. Biol 15 544–552 Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1420-9101.2002.00425.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E.L. Charnov (1976) ArticleTitleOptimal foraging: the marginal value theorem Theor. Pop. Biol 9 129–136 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0040-5809(76)90040-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • B. Charlesworth (1987) The heritability of fitness J.W. Bradbury M.B. Andersson (Eds) Sexual Selection: Testing the Alternatives John Wiley Chichester, United Kingdom 21–40

    Google Scholar 

  • A.R. Chase W. Hill (1999) ArticleTitleReliable operant apparatus for fish: audio stimulus generator, response button, and pellet-dispensing nipple Behav. Res. Meth. Ins. C 31 470–478

    Google Scholar 

  • B.C. Clarke (1962a) Balanced polymorphism and the diversity of sympatric species D. Nichols (Eds) Taxonomy and Geography Oxford Systematics Association 47–70

    Google Scholar 

  • B.C. Clarke (1962b) ArticleTitleNatural selection in mixed populations of two polymorphic snails Heredity 17 319–345

    Google Scholar 

  • B.C. Clarke (1969) ArticleTitleThe evidence for apostatic selection Heredity 24 347–352 Occurrence Handle5262945

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • B.C. Clarke P. O’Donald (1964) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection Heredity 19 201–206

    Google Scholar 

  • L.M. Cook (1998) ArticleTitleA two-stage model for Cepaea polymorphism Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond B 353 1577–1593 Occurrence Handle10.1098/rstb.1998.0311

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L.M. Cook P. Miller (1976) ArticleTitleDensity-dependent selection on polymorphic prey – some data Am. Nat 111 594–598 Occurrence Handle10.1086/283189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.M Cooper (1984) ArticleTitleApostatic selection on prey that match the background Biol. J. Linn. Soc 23 221–228

    Google Scholar 

  • R.P. Coppinger (1969) ArticleTitleThe effect of experience and novelty on avian feeding behaviour with reference to the evolution of warning coloration in butterflies. Part I. Reactions of wild-caught adult blue jays to novel insects Behaviour 35 45–60

    Google Scholar 

  • R.P. Coppinger (1970) ArticleTitleThe effect of experience and novelty on avian feeding behaviour with reference to the evolution of warning coloration in butterflies. Part II. Reactions of naïve birds to novel insects Am. Nat 104 323–335 Occurrence Handle10.1086/282666

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H.J. Croze (1970) ArticleTitleSearching images in carrion crows Z. Tierpsychol. Beiheft 5 1–85

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Curio (1976) The Ethology of Predation Springer-Verlag Berlin

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Dawkins (1971a) ArticleTitlePerceptual changes in chicks: another look at the ‘search image’ concept Anim. Behav 19 566–574

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Dawkins (1971b) ArticleTitleShifts of ‘attention’ in chicks during feeding Anim. Behav 19 571–582

    Google Scholar 

  • J.W. Fockert Particlede G. Rees C.D. Frith N. Lavie (2001) ArticleTitleThe role of working memory in visual selective attention Science 291 1803–1806 Occurrence Handle10.1126/science.1056496 Occurrence Handle11230699

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • R. Dukas (2002) ArticleTitleBehavioural and ecological consequences of limited attention Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 357 1539–1547 Occurrence Handle10.1098/rstb.2002.1063

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R. Dukas S. Ellner (1993) ArticleTitleInformation processing and prey detection Ecology 74 1337–1346

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Dukas A.C. Kamil (2001) ArticleTitleLimited attention: the constraint underlying search image Behav. Ecol 12 192–199 Occurrence Handle10.1093/beheco/12.2.192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R. Dukas L. Real (1993) ArticleTitleLearning constraints and floral choice behaviour in bumblebees Anim. Behav 46 637–644 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.1993.1240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Endler (1978) ArticleTitleA predator’s view of animal color patterns Evol. Biol 11 319–364

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Endler (1980) ArticleTitleNatural selection on color patterns in Poecilia reticulata Evolution 34 76–91

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Endler (1983) ArticleTitleNatural and sexual selection on color-patterns in poeciliid fishes Environ. Biol. Fishes 9 173–190 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00690861

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Endler (1988) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent predation, crypsis and aposematic coloration Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 319 505–523

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Endler (1995) ArticleTitleMultiple-trait coevolution and environmental gradients in guppies Trends Ecol. Evol 10 22–29 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0169-5347(00)88956-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Endler, J.A. and Mielke, P.W. (2005). Comparing entire colour patterns as birds see them. Biol. J. Linn. Soc. (in press)

  • A. Fajen F. Breden (1992) ArticleTitleMitochondrial-DNA sequence variation among natural populations of the Trinidad Guppy, Poecilia reticulata Evolution 46 1457–1465

    Google Scholar 

  • D.S. Falconer (1981) Introduction to quantitative genetics EditionNumber2 Longman London

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Farr (1977) ArticleTitleMale rarity or novelty, female choice behavior and sexual selection in the guppy Poecilia reticulata Peters (Pisces: Poeciliidae) Evolution 31 162–168

    Google Scholar 

  • M.K. Fowlie O. Kruger (2003) ArticleTitleThe evolution of plumage polymorphism in birds of prey and owls: the apostatic selection hypothesis revisited J. Evol. Biol 16 577–583 Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00564.x Occurrence Handle14632221

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • P. Galeotti D. Robolini P.O. Dunn M. Fasola (2003) ArticleTitleColour polymorphism in birds: causes and functions J. Evol. Biol 16 635–646 Occurrence Handle10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00569.x Occurrence Handle14632227

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • P. Gee D. Stephenson D.E. Wright (1994) ArticleTitleTemporal discrimination-learning of operant feeding in goldfish (Carassius auratus) J. Exp. Anal. Behav 62 1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • R.P. Gendron (1986) ArticleTitleSearching for cryptic prey: evidence for optimal search rates and the formation of search images in quail (Colinus virginianus) Anim. Behav 34 898–912

    Google Scholar 

  • R.P. Gendron (1987) ArticleTitleModels and mechanisms of frequency-dependent predation Am. Nat 130 603–623 Occurrence Handle10.1086/284733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R.P. Gendron J. Staddon (1983) ArticleTitleSearching for cryptic prey: the effects of search rate Am. Nat 121 172–186 Occurrence Handle10.1086/284049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L.D.B. Gigord M.R. Macnair A. Smithson (2001) ArticleTitleNegative frequency-dependent selection maintains a dramatic flower color polymorphism in the rewardless orchid Dactylorhiza sambucina (L.) Soo Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci 98 6253–6255 Occurrence Handle10.1073/pnas.111162598 Occurrence Handle11353863

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • R.G. Gillespie G.S. Oxford (1998) ArticleTitleSelection on the colour polymorphism in Hawaiian happy-face spiders: evidence from genetic structure and temporal fluctuations Evolution 52 775–783

    Google Scholar 

  • R.G. Gillespie B.E. Tabashnik (1990) ArticleTitleMaintaining a happy face: stable color polymorphism in the spider Theridion grallator (Araneae, Theridiidae) Heredity 65 67–74

    Google Scholar 

  • P.W. Glanville J.A. Allen (1997) ArticleTitleProtective polymorphism in populations of computer-simulated moth-like prey Oikos 80 565–571

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Goulson (2000) ArticleTitleAre insects flower constant because they use search images to find flowers? Oikos 88 547–552 Occurrence Handle10.1034/j.1600-0706.2000.880311.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood (1969) ArticleTitleApostatic selection and population density Heredity 24 157–161

    Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood (1984) ArticleTitleThe functional basis of frequency-dependent food selection Biol. J. Linn. Soc 23 177–199

    Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood (1985) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection by seed-predators Oikos 44 195–210

    Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood R.A. Elton (1979) ArticleTitleAnalysing experiments on frequency-dependent selection by predators J. Anim. Ecol 48 721–737

    Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood E.M. Wood S. Batchelor (1981) ArticleTitleApostatic selection of distasteful prey Heredity 47 27–34

    Google Scholar 

  • J.J.D. Greenwood P.A. Cotton D.A. Wilson (1989) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection on aposematic prey: some experiments Biol. J. Linn. Soc 36 213–226

    Google Scholar 

  • G.F. Grether D.F. Millie M.J. Bryant D.N. Reznick W. Mayea (2001) ArticleTitleRain forest canopy cover, resource availability, and life history evolution in guppies Ecology 82 1546–1559

    Google Scholar 

  • T. Guilford M.S. Dawkins (1987) ArticleTitleSearch images not proven: a reappraisal of some recent evidence Anim. Behav 35 1838–1845

    Google Scholar 

  • J.B.S. Haldane (1955) ArticleTitleOn the biochemistry of heterosis, and the stability of polymorphism Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 144 217–220

    Google Scholar 

  • P.H. Harvey C.A. Jordan J.A. Allen (1974) ArticleTitleSelection behaviour of wild blackbirds at high prey densities Heredity 32 401–404 Occurrence Handle4528723

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • C.S. Holling (1959) ArticleTitleThe components of predation as revealed by a study of small-mammal predation of the European pine sawfly Can. Entomol 91 293–320

    Google Scholar 

  • R.D. Holt (1984) ArticleTitleSpatial heterogeneity, indirect interactions and the coexistence of prey species Am. Nat 124 377–406 Occurrence Handle10.1086/284280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.T. Horsley B.M. Lynch J.J.D. Greenwood B. Hardman S. Mosley (1979) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent selection by birds when the density of prey is high J. Anim. Ecol 48 483–490

    Google Scholar 

  • A.E. Houde (1992) ArticleTitleSex-linked heritability of a sexually selected character in a natural population of Poecilia reticulata Heredity 69 229–235

    Google Scholar 

  • K.A. Hughes D. Linh F.H. Rodd D.N. Reznick (1999) ArticleTitleFamiliarity leads to female mate preference for novel males in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata Anim. Behav 58 1–9 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.1999.1144 Occurrence Handle10413535

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • R.N. Hughes M.I. Croy (1993) ArticleTitleAn experimental analysis of frequency-dependent predation (switching) in the 15-spined stickleback, Spinachia spinachia J. Anim. Ecol 62 341–352

    Google Scholar 

  • J.S. Jones B. Leith B. Rawlings (1977) ArticleTitlePolymorphism in Cepaea – a problem with too many solutions Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst 8 109–143 Occurrence Handle10.1146/annurev.es.08.110177.000545

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M. Joron J. Mallett (1998) ArticleTitleDiversity in mimicry: paradox or paradigm? Trends Ecol. Evol 13 461–466 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0169-5347(98)01483-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • V. Jormalainen S. Merilaita J. Tuomi (1995) ArticleTitleDifferential predation on sexes affects color polymorphism of the isopod Idotea baltica (Pallas) Biol. J. Linn Soc 55 45–68 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0024-4066(95)90028-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H. Kono P.J. Reid A.C. Kamil (1998) ArticleTitleThe effect of background cuing on prey detection Anim. Behav 56 963–972 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.1998.0847 Occurrence Handle9790707

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J.R. Krebs (1973) Behavioural aspects of predation P.P.G. Bateson P.H. Klopfer (Eds) Perspectives in Ethology Plenum Press New York-London 73–111

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Kunzler T.C.M. Bakker (2001) ArticleTitleFemale preferences for single and combined traits in computer animated stickleback males Behav. Ecol 12 681–685 Occurrence Handle10.1093/beheco/12.6.681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.M. Langley (1996) ArticleTitleSearch images: selective attention to specific visual features of prey J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 22 152–163 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.22.2.152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.M. Langley D.A. Riley A.B. Bond N. Goel (1996) ArticleTitleVisual search for natural grains in pigeons (Columba livia): search images and selective attention J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 22 139–151 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.22.2.139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E.S. Lawrence (1985) ArticleTitleEvidence for search image in blackbirds Turdus merula: long-term learning Anim. Behav 33 1301–1309

    Google Scholar 

  • E.S. Lawrence J.A. Allen (1983) ArticleTitleOn the term ‘search image’ Oikos 40 313–314

    Google Scholar 

  • R.C. Lewontin (1974) The genetic basis of evolutionary change Columbia University Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • C.C. Li (1962) ArticleTitleOn ‘reflexive selection’ Science 136 262–263 Occurrence HandleMR2006399

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • L. Lindström R.V. Alatalo A. Lyytinen J. Mappes (2001) ArticleTitleStrong antiapostatic selection against novel rare aposematic prey Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98 9181–9184 Occurrence Handle10.1073/pnas.161071598 Occurrence Handle11459937

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • A. MacDougall M.S. Dawkins (1998) ArticleTitlePredator discrimination and the benefits of Mullerian mimicry Anim. Behav 55 1281–1288 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.1997.0702 Occurrence Handle9632511

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J. Mallet M. Joron (1999) ArticleTitleEvolution of diversity in warning colour and mimicry: polymorphisms, shifting balance, and speciation Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst 30 201–233 Occurrence Handle10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.30.1.201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • B.F.J. Manly (1972) ArticleTitleTables for the analysis of selective predation experiments Res. Pop. Ecol 14 74–81

    Google Scholar 

  • B.F.J. Manly (1973) ArticleTitleA linear model for frequency-dependent selection by predators Res. Pop. Ecol 14 137–150

    Google Scholar 

  • B.F.J. Manly (1974) ArticleTitleA model for certain types of selection experiments Biometrics 30 281–294

    Google Scholar 

  • B.F.J. Manly P. Miller L.M. Cook (1972) ArticleTitleAnalysis of a selective predation experiment Am. Nat 106 719–736 Occurrence Handle10.1086/282808

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J. Mappes R.V. Alatalo (1997) ArticleTitleEffects of novelty and gregariousness in survival of aposematic prey Behav. Ecol 8 174–177

    Google Scholar 

  • N.M. Marples T.J. Roper D.G.C. Harper (1998) ArticleTitleResponses of wild birds to novel prey: evidence of dietary conservatism Oikos 83 161–165

    Google Scholar 

  • R.M. May (1977) ArticleTitlePredators that switch Nature 269 103–104 Occurrence Handle10.1038/269103a0 Occurrence Handle16072614

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • S. Merilaita J. Tuomi V. Jormalainen (1999) ArticleTitleOptimisation of cryptic colorations in heterogeneous habitats Biol. J. Linn. Soc 67 151–161 Occurrence Handle10.1006/bijl.1998.0298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. Merilaita A. Lyytinen J. Mappes (2001) ArticleTitleSelection for cryptic coloration in a visually heterogeneous habitat Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. B 268 1925–1929 Occurrence Handle10.1098/rspb.2001.1747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • G.B. Moment (1962) ArticleTitleReflexive selection: a possible answer to an old puzzle Science 136 262–263 Occurrence HandleMR2006399

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Morgan J.S. Brown (1996) ArticleTitleUsing giving-up densities to detect search images Am. Nat 148 1059–1074 Occurrence Handle10.1086/285971

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M.R. Morris P.F. Nicoletto E. Hesselman (2003) ArticleTitleA polymorphism in female preference for a polymorphic male trait in the swordtail Xiphophorus cortezi Anim. Behav 65 45–52 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.2002.2042

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • W.W. Murdoch (1969) ArticleTitleSwitching in general predators: experiments on predator specificity and stability of prey populations Ecol. Monogr 39 335–353

    Google Scholar 

  • W.W. Murdoch A. Oaten (1975) ArticleTitlePredation and population stability Adv. Ecol. Res 9 1–131

    Google Scholar 

  • W.W. Murdoch S. Avery M.B. Smyth (1975) ArticleTitleSwitching in predatory fish Ecology 56 1094–1105

    Google Scholar 

  • D.F. Owen D. Whiteley (1986) ArticleTitleReflexive selection: moment’s hypothesis resurrected Oikos 47 117–120

    Google Scholar 

  • D.F. Owen D. Whitely (1989) ArticleTitleEvidence that reflexive polymorphisms are maintained by visual selection by predators Oikos 55 130–133

    Google Scholar 

  • D.F. Owen R.G. Wiegert (1962) ArticleTitleBalanced polymorphism in the meadow spittle-bug Philaenus spumarius Am. Nat 96 353–359 Occurrence Handle10.1086/282244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.C. Parkyn J.D. Austin C.W. Hawryshyn (2003) ArticleTitleAcquisition of polarized-light orientation in salmonids under laboratory conditions Anim. Behav 65 893–904 Occurrence Handle10.1006/anbe.2003.2136

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.R. Paulson (1973) ArticleTitlePredator polymorphism and apostatic selection Evolution 27 269–277

    Google Scholar 

  • A.T. Pietrewicz A.C. Kamil (1977) ArticleTitleVisual detection of cryptic prey by Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) Science 195 580–582

    Google Scholar 

  • A.T. Pietrewicz A.C. Kamil (1979) ArticleTitleSearch image formation in the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Science 204 1332–1333

    Google Scholar 

  • K.C. Plaisted (1997) ArticleTitleThe effect of interstimulus interval on the discrimination of cryptic targets J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 23 248–259 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.23.2.248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • K.C. Plaisted N.J. Mackintosh (1995) ArticleTitleVisual search for cryptic stimuli in pigeons: implications for the search image and search rate hypotheses Anim. Behav 50 1219–1232 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0003-3472(95)80039-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E.J. Popham (1941) ArticleTitleThe variation in the colour of certain species of Arctocorisa (Hemiptera, Corixidae) and its significance Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. A 111 135–172

    Google Scholar 

  • E.B. Poulton (1884) ArticleTitleNotes upon, or suggested by, the colours, markings, and protective attitudes of certain lepidopterous larvae and pupae, and of a hymenopterous larva Trans. Entomol. Soc. Lond 1884 27–60

    Google Scholar 

  • G.H. Pyke H.R. Pulliam E.L. Charnov (1977) ArticleTitleOptimal foraging: a selective review of theory and tests Quart. Rev. Biol 52 137–154 Occurrence Handle10.1086/409852

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M.D. Rausher (1978) ArticleTitleSearch image for leaf shape in a butterfly Science 200 1071–1073

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Rees C.D. Frith N. Lavie (1997) ArticleTitleModulating irrelevant motion perception by varying attentional load in an unrelated task Science 278 1616–1619 Occurrence Handle10.1126/science.278.5343.1616 Occurrence Handle9374459

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • D.G. Reid (1987) ArticleTitleNatural selection for apostasy and crypsis acting on the shell polymorphism of a mangrove snail, Littoraria filosa (Sowerby) (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) Biol. J. Linn. Soc 30 1–24

    Google Scholar 

  • P.J. Reid S.J. Shettleworth (1992) ArticleTitleDetection of cryptic prey: search image or search rate? J. Exp. Psych. Anim. Behav. Proc 18 273–286 Occurrence Handle10.1037//0097-7403.18.3.273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.N. Reznick M.J. Butler SuffixIV F.H. Rodd P.N. Ross (1996) ArticleTitleLife history evolution in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) 6: differential mortality as a mechanism for natural selection Evolution 50 1651–1660

    Google Scholar 

  • D.N. Reznick F.H. Shaw F.H. Rodd R.G. Shaw (1997) ArticleTitleEvaluation of the rate of evolution in natural populations of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) Science 275 1934–1937 Occurrence Handle10.1126/science.275.5308.1934 Occurrence Handle9072971

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • D.N. Reznick M.J. Butler SuffixIV F.H Rodd (2001) ArticleTitleLife history evolution in guppies 7: the comparative ecology of high and low predation environments Am. Nat 157 126–140 Occurrence Handle10.1086/318627

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • F.H. Rodd D.N Reznick (1997) ArticleTitleVariation in the demography of guppy populations: the importance of predation and life histories Ecology 78 405–418

    Google Scholar 

  • S Rohwer (1983) ArticleTitleFormalizing the avoidance-image hypothesis: critique of an earlier prediction Auk 100 971–974

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Roughgarden M Feldman (1975) ArticleTitleSpecies packing and predation pressure Ecology 56 489–492

    Google Scholar 

  • W.J Rowland (1999) ArticleTitleStudying visual cues in fish behavior: a review of ethological techniques. 1999 Environ. Biol. Fishes 56 285–305 Occurrence Handle10.1023/A:1007517720723

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T Royama (1970) ArticleTitleFactors governing the hunting behaviour and selection of food by the great tit (Parus major L.) J. Anim. Ecol 39 619–659

    Google Scholar 

  • P. Sevenster E. FeuthBrujin ParticleDe J.J. Huisman (1995) ArticleTitleTemporal structure in stickleback behaviour Behaviour 132 1267–1284

    Google Scholar 

  • T.N. Sherratt I.F. Harvey (1993) ArticleTitleFrequency-dependent food selection by arthropods: a review Biol. J. Linn. Soc 48 167–186 Occurrence Handle10.1006/bijl.1993.1013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T.N. Sherratt A.D. MacDougall (1995) ArticleTitleSome population consequences of variation in preference among individual predators Biol. J. Linn. Soc 55 93–107 Occurrence Handle10.1006/bijl.1995.0030

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Shigemiya (2004) ArticleTitleReversible frequency-dependent predation of a puffer, Takifugu niphobles (Pisces: Tetraodontidae), related to spatial distribution of colour-polymorphic prey Biol. J. Linn. Soc 81 97–202 Occurrence Handle10.1111/j.1095-8312.2003.00276.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Smithson M.R. MacNair (1997) ArticleTitleNegative frequency-dependent selection by pollinators on artificial flowers without rewards Evolution 51 715–723

    Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Spinks J.X. Zhang P.T. Fox J.H. Gao L.H Tan (2004) ArticleTitleMore workload on the central executive of working memory, less attention capture by novel visual distractors: evidence from an fMRI study NeuroImage 23 517–524 Occurrence Handle10.1016/j.neuroimage.2004.06.025 Occurrence Handle15488400

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • T. Thompson (1966) ArticleTitleOperant and classically-conditioned aggressive behaviour in Siamese fighting fish Am. Zool 6 629–1966 Occurrence Handle6009828

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • V. Thompson (1984) ArticleTitlePolymorphism under apostatic and aposematic selection Heredity 53 677–686

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Tinbergen (1960) ArticleTitleThe natural control of insects in pinewoods. Factors influencing the intensity of predation by songbirds Arch. Neer. Zool 13 265–343

    Google Scholar 

  • M.E. Weale J.A Allen (1989) ArticleTitleMassive polymorphism – how do we test for frequency-dependence? Oikos 55 133–134

    Google Scholar 

  • M.E. Weale D. Whitwell H.E. Raison D.L. Raymond J.A Allen (2000) ArticleTitleThe influence of density on frequency-dependent food selection: a comparison of four experiments with wild birds Oecologia 124 391–395 Occurrence Handle10.1007/s004420000399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D.A.A. Whiteley D.F. Owen D.A.S Smith (1997) ArticleTitleMassive polymorphism and natural selection in Donacilla cornea (Poll, 1791) (Bivalvia: Mesodesmatidae) Biol. J. Linn. Soc 62 475–494 Occurrence Handle10.1006/bijl.1997.0168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A.J. Willis J.W.T. McEwan J.J.D. Greenwood R.A. Elton (1980) ArticleTitleFood selection by chicks-effects of color, density and frequency of food types Anim. Behav 28 874–879

    Google Scholar 

  • O Winge (1922) ArticleTitleOne-sided masculine and sex-linked inheritance in Lebistes reticulatus J. Genet 12 145–162

    Google Scholar 

  • O. Winge E. Ditlevsen (1947) ArticleTitleColour inheritance and sex-determination in Lebistes Heredity 1 65–83

    Google Scholar 

  • S Wright (1948) ArticleTitleOn the roles of directed and random changes in gene frequency in the genetics of natural populations Evolution 2 279–294

    Google Scholar 

  • R.I. Vane-Wright P.R. Ackery R.L. Smiles (1975) ArticleTitleThe distribution, polymorphism and mimicry of Heliconius telesiphe (Doubleday) and the species of Podotricha Michener (Lepidoptera: Heliconiinae) Trans. Roy. Entomol. Soc. Lond 126 611–636

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Punzalan.

Additional information

Co-ordinating editor: O. Leimar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Punzalan, D., Rodd, F.H. & Hughes, K.A. Perceptual Processes and the Maintenance of Polymorphism Through Frequency-dependent Predation. Evol Ecol 19, 303–320 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-005-2777-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-005-2777-z

Keywords

Navigation