Document Type

Bulletin

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History

Volume

45

Publication Date

10-19-1922

First Page

271

Last Page

331

Abstract

The various means by which Nature prevents an excessive increase of the species not only forms in itself an interesting chapter of ecology, but its study is also of great importance in an understanding of the true meaning of Natural Selection. In the case of ants it has been contended that they are better defended than other insects against the attacks of predatory animals. Poulton evidently takes this for granted when he considers that ants, together with wasps, are among the favorite models for "mimicking" insects and other arthropods. These ant-like arthropods, having acquired by Natural Selection their resemblance "to the aggressive, abundant, and well-defended ants," would according to this theory escape many of the attacks of their deceived and disgusted predaceous enemies. Though the evidence presented in the following pages is still very fragmentary, I trust the reader may easily conclude for himself to what extent such resemblances, which, in some cases at least, can hardly be doubted, have a real protective value. There is certainly little or no evidence to show that, as the theory is often expressed, ants are unpalatable to most insectivorous animals and are merely eaten accidentally or "during the time in which young birds or other animals are learning what to eat with impunity and what to reject."

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