Ptera Hunter's Blog - Posts Tagged "shadowing"
Wolves in sheeps clothing.
As Ian Malcolm said in Jurrasic Park, nature finds a way. In this case, the predatory trumpetfish found a way to camouflage itself by shadowing other fish. Like the medieval bow hunters who would crouch behind their horses to hunt deer, these predators blend into their surroundings by swimming aside an innocuous species.
Several studies have demonstrated that species other than humans have used this shadowing technique. Other methods organisms use to decrease their apparency include mimicking the movement of surrounding plants (like the stick insect), and hiding behind objects. Shadowers must combine these techniques. An interesting addition I wish I had in time to include in my book, The Wisdom of Loki.
To see the study, go to:
Matchette, S. R. et al. (2023) Predatory trumpetfish conceal themselves from their prey by swimming alongside other fish. Current Biology, 33(15): PR801-R802, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.05....
Several studies have demonstrated that species other than humans have used this shadowing technique. Other methods organisms use to decrease their apparency include mimicking the movement of surrounding plants (like the stick insect), and hiding behind objects. Shadowers must combine these techniques. An interesting addition I wish I had in time to include in my book, The Wisdom of Loki.
To see the study, go to:
Matchette, S. R. et al. (2023) Predatory trumpetfish conceal themselves from their prey by swimming alongside other fish. Current Biology, 33(15): PR801-R802, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.05....
Question: Are there any reallly cool natural deceits that have come to light since you wrote The Wisdom of Loki?
Political science has explored how we bend reality to support our tribes. I ignored much of the problem but will cover some of these issues in my upcoming book. (Sorry, no hints yet, but it will be out in a few months!)
My last blog entry, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, follows the trumpet fish's swimming habits that use the movements of innocuous species to sneak up on their prey.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-023-04...
My last blog entry, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, follows the trumpet fish's swimming habits that use the movements of innocuous species to sneak up on their prey.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-023-04...
