Aposematism
Every so often, without warning, the lake would gurgle and a cloud of invisible gas would ascend from its anoxic abyss. Sometimes the gases were volcanic, other times a by-product of bacteria or algae. Regardless, the fumes were toxic and quickly asphyxiated anything in their path: animals swimming near the lake surface, loitering by the shore, cli
... See moreSteve Brusatte • The Rise and Reign of the Mammals: A New History, from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us
We can distinguish and enjoy the many hues of anthocyanin- and carotenoid-rich plants—as well as the same hues in paintings and clothing, makeup and warning signs—because our eyes are designed to see well in this color range of yellow to orange to red. It now looks as though we owe this ability to leaves and fruits! It turns out that we are among a... See more
Harold McGee • On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen
Take the deadly trick played by the killer females of one genus of firefly (Photuris) on the males of another firefly genus (Photinus). Understandably, the Photinus males scrupulously avoid contact with the bloodthirsty Photuris females. However, through centuries of natural selection, the Photuris female hunters have located a weakness in their pr
... See moreRobert B. Cialdini • Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion
In nature, the presence and intensity of red coloration are thought to act as an evolutionarily important signal associated with dominance, arousal and aggression. As Hill and Barton note, ‘Red coloration is a sexually selected, testosterone-dependent signal of male quality in a variety of animals.’ Wearing this colour, then, may trick your, or you
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