Evidence for frequency-dependent selection maintaining polymorphism in the Batesian mimic Papilio polytes in multiple islands in the Ryukyus, Japan.

ABSTRACT: Batesian mimicry is a well-studied adaptation for predation avoidance, in which a mimetic species resembles an unpalatable model species. Batesian mimicry can be under positive selection because of the protection gained against predators, due to resemblance to unpalatable model species. However, in some mimetic species, nonmimetic individuals are present in populations, despite the benefits of mimicry. The mechanism for evolution of such mimetic polymorphism remains an open question. Here, we address the hypothesis that the abundance of mimics is limited by that of the models, leading to mimetic polymorphism. In addition, other forces such as the effects of common ancestry and/or isolation by distance may explain this phenomenon. To investigate this question, we focused on the butterfly, <

SUBMITTER: Tsurui-Sato K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6540699 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature