![]() ![]() Australian cuckoo–host interactions are characterized by lower rates of cuckoo egg rejection by hosts in comparison to European counterparts ( Langmore et al. Not only are brood-deceptive cuckoos more common than expected in Australia, the cuckoo–host relationship seems to differ from other regions. ![]() These cheats outsource parental care and have evolved many deceptive signaling strategies to impair host detection including mimicry of host egg and chick colors and calls ( Stoddard and Stevens 2010 Kilner and Langmore 2011 Langmore et al. It is not intended as a thorough review of all deceptive systems, but we hope to stimulate more research, a systematic review, and further testing in this area.ĭespite being substantially smaller than Africa (one-quarter) or Asia (one-sixth), Australia is home to ~20% of the world’s brood-parasitic cuckoo species (Australia: 12, Africa: 15, Asia ~26 of 57 species in total Davies 2010). The aim of this “Idea” paper is to draw attention to intriguing patterns of deception in a limited number of well-studied systems and to generate several testable predictions. We offer several explanations addressing environmental conditions, evolutionary isolation, the prevalence of behavioral ecologists, and the research culture in Australia. We examine 3 distinct forms of deception in entirely different taxa, cuckoos, crab spiders, and orchids, where there is strong evidence that deception is more prevalent in Australia than in other geographic regions. However, other behavioral phenomena, especially those involving deception and exploitation, are also remarkably prevalent in some systems and still require comprehensive treatment. The prevalence of some unusual animal behaviors is well documented, such as cooperative breeding in birds, low rates of herbivory, and high rates of pollination by vertebrates. Given this diversity, it is perhaps not surprising that Australia is a coveted and productive field site for behavioral ecologists worldwide. Australia’s unique biota: implications for ecological processes. The Australian continent is renowned for its idiosyncratic flora and fauna and high diversity of endemic taxa (e.g., Eucalyptus, marsupials, and monotremes Braithwaite RW. ![]()
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