Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

aposematic

Adjective

ˌæpəˈsɛmætɪk

Definition

Aposematic refers to a warning coloration or marking in animals that indicates they are unpalatable or harmful to predators.

Examples

The poison dart frog is a classic example of an aposematic organism, with its vivid colors warning predators to stay away.
Many insects use aposematic coloration to signal their toxicity, making them less likely to be eaten by birds.

Meaning

The term is often used in biology to describe how certain species use bright colors or patterns to signal to potential threats that they are toxic or possess some form of defense.