aposematic

American  

[ap-uh-suh-mat-ik] / ˌæp ə səˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

Zoology.

1. colored or constructed in a way that indicates special capabilities for defense.

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aposematic British  

/ ˌæpəsɪˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. (of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals) characterized by bright conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; warning

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Other Word Forms

• aposematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of aposematic

First recorded in 1885–90; apo- + sematic

Example Sentences

Most prior research on how predators perceive aposematic or conspicuously colorful displays has revolved around carnivorous birds.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Mimicry and camouflage are aposematic defense mechanisms that give these animals a survival advantage over others that do not have these mechanisms.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Mimicry and camouflage are aposematic defense mechanisms that give these animals a reproductive advantage over others that do not have these mechanisms.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Müllerian mimicry is a form of mutualism, in which different toxic species benefit by having the same aposematic colors or patterns.

From Scientific American • Aug. 21, 2012

These groups have the characteristics of aposematic species, and no theory but natural selection explains their invariable occurrence as models wherever they exist.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various