aposematic coloration
- noun
- /ˌæpəˈsɛmætɪk ˌkoʊləˈreɪʃən/
- Specialized
:
coloración aposemática
- The poison dart frog's aposematic coloration vividly warns predators of its toxicity.
Examples
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A skunk's distinctive black and white stripes are a form of aposematic coloration.
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The bright aposematic coloration of the poison dart frog deters predators.
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Many butterflies display aposematic coloration to signal that they are unpalatable to birds.
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Many insects exhibit aposematic coloration to signal their toxicity.
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The bright yellow and black stripes of the wasp serve as an aposematic coloration to deter potential predators.
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Many poisonous frogs exhibit vibrant aposematic coloration that signals their toxicity to birds and other animals.
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The striking patterns on the butterfly's wings are an example of aposematic coloration, warning predators to stay away.
Synonyms
Bright colors or patterns on an animal that tell predators not to eat it
Antonyms
How Conspicuous
- Specialized
1
6.8
- US
6
5.0
- US
4
3.9
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is a direct, compositional combination of 'aposematic' (bright/warning colors indicating toxicity or unpalatability) and 'coloration' (surface color/pattern), so its meaning of conspicuous warning colouring is immediately derivable from the parts. Although 'aposematic' is technical and low-frequency, if a learner knows that adjective the compound is fully transparent.
Etymology
Aposematic coloration names the bright colors and patterns an animal shows to warn other animals; the word coloration means the animal's color. This 'warning color' tells predators the animal may be 'poisonous' or 'unpleasant to eat', so the phrase means coloring that warns predators to stay away.