aposematism

What is the opposite of aposematism? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Noun — An adaptation, such as a warning colouration, that signals danger to potential predators and discourages them from attacking.

We haven't recorded synonyms for aposematism yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use aposematism

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

classic example of aposematism aposematism in frogs study of aposematism forms of aposematism

This is a specialist biology term, mostly found in zoology writing rather than everyday speech.

Etymology

Built from the Greek prefix apo-, meaning away from, joined to a form of sema, the Greek word for a sign or mark, plus the suffix -ism. The related adjective aposematic was coined by the British biologist Edward Bagnall Poulton in his 1890 book on animal colouration, and the noun aposematism followed from it.

Full origin of aposematism →

Frequently asked questions

What does aposematism mean in biology?

It refers to a warning signal, most often bright or contrasting colouring, that an animal displays to tell predators it is dangerous or unpleasant to eat.

Is aposematism the same as camouflage?

No, they work in opposite ways. Camouflage helps an animal hide, while aposematism makes it stand out so predators recognise and avoid it.

Which animals show aposematism?

Many toxic or stinging species do, including certain wasps, frogs and caterpillars, which use bold colour patterns to advertise that they are best left alone.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of aposematism