Hastings Natural History Reservation

05 Dec, 12 AM - 14 Dec, 12 PM

The Ensatina complex is thoroughly studied from a molecular systematic perspective. This research has reworked the ring species biogeographical scenario, though the major tenets are upheld. What remains untested, however, are the original hypotheses of ecological diversification. Stebbins (1949), in presenting the ring species scenario, hypothesized three antipredatory functions for the diversity of color patterns in the Ensatina complex: (1) Crypsis via background matching; (2) Crypsis via disruptive coloration; and (3) Mimicry of extraordinarily toxic newts in the genus Taricha. It is this latter hypothesis we wish to test at Hastings. We will test this hypothesis using behavioral experiments with a visual predator (Scrub Jays, Aphelocoma coerulescens).

Visit #8597 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 6024 | Research

Scrub jay/Ensatina/Taricha research

research_scientist - University of California, Santa Cruz

Reservation Members(s)

Shawn Kuchta Dec 5 - 14, 2005 (10 days)

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