162 



THE COLOURS OF ANIMALS 



I know of no instance of this kind among birds, but 

 it is probable that the gaudy and strongly-contrasted 

 colours of certain tropical species may be found to be 

 accompanied by some nauseous property and to be of 

 warning significance. 



Fl(J. 42.— The Brazilian Skunk {Mephitis suffocans) : showing the conspicuous black 

 and white appearance of tue animal which serves as a warning to its enemies. 



The brilliant and conspicuous colours of many 

 powerful birds are, I think, to be explained as a 

 result of the free scope given to sexual selection (see 

 pp. 311-12). 



