Multisensory insect warning displays and avian predator psychology
Single Paper Presentation

Emma Siddall
Zoology Dept. TCD

Dr. Nicola Marples
Zoology Dept. TCD

     Abstract ID Number: 195
     Full text: Not available
     Last modified: March 20, 2006
     Presentation date: 06/20/2006 10:00 AM in Hamilton Building, Foyer
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
In an attempt to reduce predation pressure insects have evolved ways to make themselves less profitable as prey, they have also evolved signalling mechanisms to advertise their unprofitability to potential predators. Much research has been conducted on how visual cues operate as a warning signal, however, signals through other sensory pathways may also be important. Prey species may use several cues simultaneously in a multisensory warning display, the component signals of which often interact to elicit a response greater than the sum of the responses to the individual component signals. These multisensory displays may afford the defended prey greater protection from a predator through both innate and learned avoidances.
This current project will use day old chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) as a model avian predator to investigate how olfactory and auditory cues enhance innate and learned avoidance of warningly coloured defended prey. It will also examine whether multisensory warning displays increase the memorability of interactions with unprofitable prey. The effect of multisensory displays comprising novel and familiar component signals will also be examined in an attempt to determine how much generalisation occurs between multisensory displays.
Some of the experiments will be replicated in the wild using blackbirds (Turdus merula) and robins (Erithacus rubecula).