Q.9 The mimicry in which a palatable species mimics a toxic species is called
1. character displacement mimicry
2. Batesian mimicry
3. Mullerian mimicry
4. Gregorian mimicry
Batesian Mimicry: Palatable Species Copying Toxic Ones
Predators learn to avoid toxic species through warning colors or patterns, creating survival opportunities for harmless imitators. The correct answer is 2. Batesian mimicry, where edible prey evolves to resemble unpalatable or dangerous models for protection.
Named after Henry Walter Bates, this deceptive strategy thrives when models are common and predators are experienced.
Batesian Mimicry Mechanism
A harmless (palatable) mimic copies the aposematic signals—like bright stripes or smells—of a toxic or venomous model. Predators, conditioned to avoid the model after bad experiences, mistakenly spare the mimic.
Classic examples include king snakes mimicking venomous coral snakes (“red touch yellow, kill a fellow”) or harmless flies resembling stinging bees. Success depends on model abundance; rare models weaken protection.
Breakdown of All Mimicry Options
Each type serves anti-predator defense differently—Batesian uniquely involves deception by palatable species.
| Option | Type | Description | Matches Query? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Character displacement | Divergent traits in sympatric species to reduce competition (e.g., Darwin’s finches beak sizes) | No—ecological competition, not predation mimicry |
| 2 | Batesian mimicry | Palatable mimic copies toxic model | Yes—exact definition |
| 3 | Mullerian mimicry | Multiple toxic species share warning patterns (e.g., helconid butterflies converge on orange-black wings) | No—both harmful, mutual reinforcement |
| 4 | Gregorian mimicry | Non-existent term; likely distractor (no standard classification) | No—not recognized in evolutionary biology |
Real-World Implications
Batesian mimics risk “cheat exposure” if overabundant—predators learn they’re harmless. Mullerian mimics reinforce shared danger signals. Understanding these drives conservation: habitat loss disrupts model-mimic dynamics.
Correct Answer: 2. Batesian mimicry
