Warning coloration paved the way for louder, more complex calls in certain species of poisonous frogs
Friday, October 24, 2014 - 17:50
in Biology & Nature
Frogs are well-known for being among the loudest amphibians, but new research indicates that the development of this trait followed another: bright coloration. Scientists have found that the telltale colors of some poisonous frog species established them as an unappetizing option for would-be predators before the frogs evolved their elaborate songs. As a result, these initial warning signals allowed different species to diversify their calls over time.