CHAPTER VI 
THE COLOURATION OF ORGANISMS 
The theory of protective colouration has been carried to absurd 
lengths—It will not bear close scrutiny—Cryptic colouring— 
Sematic colours — Pseudo-sematic colours — Batesian and 
Miillerian mimicry—Conditions necessary for mimicry— 
Examples—Recognition markings—The theory of obliterative 
colouration—Criticism of the theory—Objections to the theory 
of cryptic colouring—Whiteness of the Arctic fauna is ex- 
aggerated— Illustrative tables—Pelagic organisms—Objectors 
to the Neo-Darwinian theories of colouration are to be found 
among field naturalists—G. A. B. Dewar, Gadow, Robinson, 
F. C. Selous quoted — Colours of birds’ eggs— Warning 
colouration — Objections to the theory — Eisig’s theory — 
So-called intimidating attitudes of animals—Mimicry—The 
case for the theory—The case against the theory—“ False 
mimicry ”—Theory of recognition colours—The theory refuted 
—Colours of flowers and fruits—Neo-Darwinian explanations 
—Objections— Kay Robinson’s theory—Conclusion that Neo- 
Darwinian theories are untenable—Some suggestions regard- 
ing the colouration of animals — Through the diversity of 
colouring of organisms something like order runs—The con- 
nection between biological molecules and colour—Tylor on 
colour patterns in animals— Bonhote’s theory of pcecilo- 
meres—Summarty of conclusions arrived at. 
INCE the publication of Zhe Origin of 
Species, naturalists have paid much 
attention to the colouration of animals 
and plants, with the result that a large 
majority of scientific men to-day hold the belief 
that all, or nearly all, the colours displayed 
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