Apostatic selection

Apostatic selection is frequency-dependent selection by predators, particularly in regard to prey that are different morphs of a polymorphic species that is not a mimic (non-mimetic) of another species. It is closely linked to the idea of prey switching, however the two terms are regularly used to describe different aspects of the same phenomenon. Apostatic selection has been used by authors looking at the differences between different genetic morphs. In comparison, prey switching has been used when describing the choice between different species.

The idea links up with the concept of "search image" from Luuk Tinbergen, whereby - through experience - a predator is considered to have developed a particular skill or capacity to spot prey items of typical appearance (mainly pattern), to the point where typical specimens are even taken disproportionately to their actual abundance within the population. Conversely, specimens of unusual appearance are less likely to end up as part of a predator's diet than would be "justified" if consumption of food items was related to their abundance within the population in a straightforward way. In consequence, there are greater-than-"expected" chances of individuals within a population that are of non-typical appearance passing on the genes controlling that appearance to the next generation.

References

• Abstract - Further evidence for apostatic selection by wild passerine birds -9 :1 experiments.