Presentation Information
[C09-04]A Mathematical Model of Associative Learning in Predators: Linking Memory levels and Mimicry Complexes
*Ji Yang1, Shigeo Yachi1 (1. Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University (Japan))
Keywords:
associative learning,mimicry complexes,predator memory level,population dynamics
Predators can learn and memory the prey they encounter. When multiple prey species share similar warning signals, such as aposematic coloration, predators may form associative memories between them. This associative learning plays a critical role in the maintenance of both Müllerian and Batesian mimicry complexes. However, existing theoretical models of mimicry typically assume associative learning as a static process, and the role of associative learning in shaping the dynamics of mimicry has not fully been investigated.
In this study, we develop and analyze a mathematical model that incorporates an associative strength parameter that represents the degree to which predators link the memory of different mimetic species. We investigate how this associative strength affects both memory levels and population dynamics within the mimicry complexes.
Our results show that in Müllerian mimicry, a higher associative strength enhances both the memory levels and population densities of the involved species, thereby promoting the mutualistic benefits of mimicry. In contrast, in Batesian mimicry, the relationship between associative strength, memory levels, and population densities becomes nonlinear. This suggests that the presence of undefended mimics does not necessarily lead to a “crisis of signal unreliability” of the complex. Rather, the outcome depends on the specific range of associative strength. We further discuss how associative strength interacts with other ecological parameters to affect the stability of mimicry species through predator memory dynamics.
In this study, we develop and analyze a mathematical model that incorporates an associative strength parameter that represents the degree to which predators link the memory of different mimetic species. We investigate how this associative strength affects both memory levels and population dynamics within the mimicry complexes.
Our results show that in Müllerian mimicry, a higher associative strength enhances both the memory levels and population densities of the involved species, thereby promoting the mutualistic benefits of mimicry. In contrast, in Batesian mimicry, the relationship between associative strength, memory levels, and population densities becomes nonlinear. This suggests that the presence of undefended mimics does not necessarily lead to a “crisis of signal unreliability” of the complex. Rather, the outcome depends on the specific range of associative strength. We further discuss how associative strength interacts with other ecological parameters to affect the stability of mimicry species through predator memory dynamics.