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

See Examples For:

aposematic

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

This type of defensive mechanism is called aposematic coloration, or warning coloration.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

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

Red or yellow spots are common aposematic colors in frogs.

From Systematic Status of a South American Frog, Allophryne ruthveni Gaige by Lynch, John D.