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Module 14: "Color in Nature"
Lecture 38: "Color in- signalling"
The Lecture Contains:
Signalling (Selection)
Physical Protection
Warning (Defensive Color)
Color Pattern in Nature
Color Advertising
Color in Sexual Selection
Color in Mimicry
Dazzle Color
Conclusion
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Objectives_template
Module 14: "Color in Nature"
Lecture 38: "Color in- signalling"
Signalling (Selection)
In nature living beings have applied color for signalling to other species for their sexual selection
Evolution of red skin and hair through sexual
Peacock displays to a Peahen Poison Frog’s Selection
selection
Plate 4 Color for Selection
The natural selection results from the struggle to survive, sexual selection emerges from the struggle
to reproduce. The above examples (plate4) are displaying the colors that help the animals for their
sexual selection within the species.
Physical Protection
Peacock displays to Evolution of red skin and hair through
Poison Frog’s Selection
a Peahen sexual selection
Plate 5 Color for Selection
Dark colors confuse other predators and also protects from sun-burn. Man has cued the same for their
protection. Zebra’s bold color stripes (plate 5) help them to confuse lions in nature. Human beings
have applied the same technique for their protection in war.
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Objectives_template
Module 14: "Color in Nature"
Lecture 38: "Color in- signalling"
Warning (Defensive Color)
Coral Snake warns Zebra Crossing
Plate 6 Warning against other predators
Warning coloration is usually bright and prominent. The bright prominent colors appear to warn the
opponent. It is a defensive system to warn the predator not to attack. The color of Coral Snake (plate
6) seems to scare others by the dazzling color combination. Zebra crossing (plate 6) warns pedestrian
before crossing the road.
Sand dune Breaking waves Spiral Shell
Plates 7 Nature’s Pattern
Nature is rich with pattern (plates 7) that adorned the environment. Such patterns we discover all
around us- tree-bark, stones, sand dunes, shells, river-flow, waves, etc. Each time the natural pattern
exhibits its variations and possibility of further creation.
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Objectives_template
Module 14: "Color in Nature"
Lecture 38: "Color in- signalling"
Color Advertising
Shrimp Cleaning Service Bird of Paradise
Plate 8 Advertising by species
Advertising (plate 8) coloration is the process of signalling. The signalling that would attract the other
species or same species for their sexual selection.
Color in Sexual Selection
Peacock’s Sexual Selection Sea lions Giraffe Lizard
Plate 9 Sexual Selection/ Natural Selection
Sexual Selection or Natural Selection (plates 9) is not a accidental event. Living beings prepare
themselves for the ‘natural selections’ with the help a process that includes color as one of the
selection mechanism. It is the evolutionary process that has been going on for millions of years.
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Objectives_template
Module 14: "Color in Nature"
Lecture 38: "Color in- signalling"
Color in Mimicry
Moth Lizard Fighter Aircraft
Plate 10 Color Mimicry in Nature
( Source:[Link]
hl=en&q=Camouflage+in+nature&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,[Link]&biw=1314&bih=550&um=1&ie=UTF-
&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=XqvYT9v7JcLjrAfqnojKBg ; June 13, 2012)
Color Mimicry (plate 8) is an interesting selection process in the living world. It happens when a
group has similar characteristics and share common perceived similarity. By performing mimicking
living being tries to take advantage to deceive the opponent. Because of a certain condition the
technique of mimicking is adopted which helps to hide or take guard before the opponent discovers.
Chameleon Startles Insect Startles Startling Color
Plate 11 Creatures Startling
Color has multiple expression and non-verbal language. It goes through a complex process in
expressing camouflage, startle predators, or mimic other things. All three creatures (plate 11) have
startling colors to attract/ scare predator.
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