Abstract
I DO not propose to deal with Mr. Castets' objections to natural selection in general. They have often been met before. As to the special case under discussion, he feels that his knowledge of the distribution of the two species is exhaustive enough to give him safe warrant for the assertion that they are invariably separated by a height of 6000 feet. If this conclusion is well founded, it is an important contribution to the facts of the case under discussion. Nevertheless neither this nor the climatic differences need affect the Müllerian theory if the barrier which separates the one form from the other is crossed by the enemies of both. The Teracolus-like appearance of the moth is remarkable, and separates it very sharply from its allies. It occurs on an elevated district surrounded by lower country in which the Teracolus abounds. The approximation is sufficient to render the Müllerian theory a probable explanation in view of the immense number of similar relationships accompanying a closer approximation in other parts of the world, and considering the complete absence of any other explanation; unless, indeed, Mr. Castets intends to imply, by so constantly dwelling upon one aspect of the environment, that the difference in climate is responsible for the agreement in appearance.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
POULTON, E. Protective Mimicry. Nature 58, 223 (1898). https://doi.org/10.1038/058223b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/058223b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.