Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition
by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler
009 Aposematism
The use of conspicuous markings to grab attention and signal danger.
Aposematism refers to evolved markings and displays that attract attention and signal danger to potential predators. Aposematic signals include bright color combinations, behavioral displays such as rattling or hissing, and patterning such as zigzags and stripes. For example, the brightly colored patterns found on poison dart frogs, wood tiger moths, and coral snakes all warn predators about their toxic, venomous, and chemical defenses. When predators attack these animals, they either die or learn to associate the negative after-experience with the prey’s markings and displays. As a result, predators learn to avoid these animals and, in extreme cases, evolve ...
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