Biology is NOT soft science. It IS chemistry and physics. No further comment on that.

If I'm reading this correctly, Cking isn't saying that the tricolor pattern doesn't serve as a predator avoidance strategy. Even pattern disruption and flash coloration work to deter predators. There are multiple models by which an animals can come to the tricolored pattern. To name a few major ones:

One is true aposematic coloration, bright coloration by a toxic species.

Another is mimicry. There are two general forms that are often discussed; Batesian and Mullerian. Google 'em to learn more.

Yet another is (as CKing describes) outline or focus disruption.

What is commonly overlooked, is that one model does not necessarily preclude the others. A pattern that may be disruptive in some situations (e.g. curled under grasses and leaves) may also be aposematic or mimic aposematry when the animal is uncovered from it's hiding area. Mimicry can often work in rings where a combination of Batesian and Mullerian mimicry strategies interplay. The situation with tricolored snakes in the western hemisphere is probably quite complex.

Color and pattern manipulation is easy and fairly quickly done in nature.

Just thought I'd throw in my .02 on the subject.

-Cole

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