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Experiments on Mimicry: Gestalt Perception and the Evolution of Genetic Linkage

Nature volume 239, pages 525–527 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

POLYMORPHIC mimicry in butterflies requires that their potential predators, either birds, lizards or monkeys, should be able to exercise Gestalt perception. We here describe a simple experiment showing that wild birds are indeed able to perceive a pattern as a whole, rather than responding only to single elements of it.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO1 5DD

    MAUREEN IKIN & JOHN R. G. TURNER

Authors
  1. MAUREEN IKIN
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  2. JOHN R. G. TURNER
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IKIN, M., TURNER, J. Experiments on Mimicry: Gestalt Perception and the Evolution of Genetic Linkage. Nature 239, 525–527 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/239525b0

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