Why does black and yellow indicate danger?
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In western society it seems obvious this comes from bees and wasps, but it seems like many tropical frogs use yellow and black. Black and yellow also indicates toxicity in some fish species and the order of the colors seems to communicate whether we see a harmless milk snake or a venomous coral snake.
So which came first: the fear of black and yellow or the color of bees? Are there any studies about the color combinations effect on human brain? Is it learned or congenital?
First of all, great question! What you describe here is known as aposematism. Aposematism is the adapation of warning signals against the predator. This word is used for any sound, coloring, and odor used as a warning signal. Of course, for this question the focus is color.
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