The role of predator selection on polymorphic aposematic poison frogs: Article review

Distance-dependent defensive coloration in the poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius, Dendrobatidae 

James B. Barnetta,1,2, Constantine Michalisa , Nicholas E. Scott-Samuelb , and Innes C. Cuthilla,2

Source: https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/115/25/6416.full.pdf

Summary of research: The article reflects on aposematism and camouflage in Dendrobates also known as poison frogs. They take pictures and computer software to detect the efficiency and distant dependency on these frogs defensive colorations and patterns. The study took a close look at aposematism with bright and high colored frogs versus those with other cryptic and phenotypic variations. It also took a look and stated issues of predation about how some predators now are more aware and it did computer simulations based on the optics/spatial models of avian, snake, and mammalian views from close range and long distances. They researched into other issues like background and distance and how these forms of defensive coloration are very dependent on it. The article was six pages long and consisted of many graphs and statistical correlation tests. 

What does this tell us: Up close at close distances the data showed that this species of frogs were very visible and exposed. That it was clearly identifiable to all the species when in close proximities regardless of background due to the high coloration versus the background. They discovered that from a distance the frog's high coloration and patterns played well for them. The aspect of aposematism and camouflage were tested and the study showed that this species is very background dependent and distance-dependent to were more considered to be aspects of camouflage. They saw that these patterns and colorations were easily detectable up close but blended well in their natural habitats when observing from a distance. The visual data showed how far distance took a lot longer to identify the frog while the close range was easily visible. 

Was it interesting or valuable: The article was interesting but it did indicate that when researching this topic the consideration of aposematism, camouflage, distance, background, and patterns should be under consideration. It was interesting to see that even after the multiple types of research done on this topic there is still possible questions left for it. They did suggest that more research should be conducted to be able to identify how all these aspects of defensive coloration respond in different environments.