anti-predator
Against natural enemies
Anti-predator describes adaptations, behaviors, or strategies that help prey species avoid being eaten.
Camouflage, warning coloration, and playing dead are anti-predator defenses.
The term appears mainly in biology and ecology: The lizard's anti-predator response is to shed its tail when grabbed.
Conspicuous hues signaling unpalatability
- venomInjected animal poison
- spinesStiff, pointed projections
- quillsHollow defensive animal spikes
- chemical defenseToxic means of protection
distastefulness · repellent · stinging · poison glands · urticating hairs · skunk spray · toxicity · warning signals
Managing animal groups
- flockingGathering in crowds
- schoolingFormal education received
- mobbingCollective harassment behavior
- alarm callScheduled rousing notification
vigilance · group defense · synchronized movement · safety in numbers
Antipredator surprise tactic
- eyespotsSimple light-detecting organs
- startle responseInvoluntary reaction to surprise
- cobra hoodSerpent's expandable neck membrane
- frilled lizardReptile with neck membrane
Act of hiding something
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
- blend inBecome part of surroundings
- transparencyState of being see-through
color change · stillness · dappling · mottling · burial · hiding
Survival impulse to escape
- evasionAct of escaping detection
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- smoke screenDeceptive concealment tactic
- divingEntering water deliberately
jumping · dropping · sprint speed · jinking · bolt hole
Harmless copying harmful appearance
- Müllerian mimicryToxic species resembling each other
- playing deadFaking death as defense
- stick insectBranch-mimicking bug
- leaf insectFoliage-mimicking arthropod
warning coloration
Conspicuous hues signaling unpalatability
chemical defense · distastefulness · repellent · stinging · poison glands · urticating hairs · skunk spray · toxicity · warning signals · unpalatability
herding
Managing animal groups
alarm call · vigilance · group defense · synchronized movement · safety in numbers
startle display
Antipredator surprise tactic
- eyespotsSimple light-detecting organs
- startle responseInvoluntary reaction to surprise
- cobra hoodSerpent's expandable neck membrane
concealment
Act of hiding something
- countershadingCamouflage via tonal gradient
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
- blend inBecome part of surroundings
transparency · color change · stillness · dappling · mottling · burial · hiding
flight response
Survival impulse to escape
- evasionAct of escaping detection
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- smoke screenDeceptive concealment tactic
diving · jumping · dropping · sprint speed · jinking · bolt hole
Batesian mimicry
Harmless copying harmful appearance
- Müllerian mimicryToxic species resembling each other
- playing deadFaking death as defense
- stick insectBranch-mimicking bug