Table of Contents
Give Mullerian Mimicry Definition?
Mullerian mimicry is a type of mimicry where a palatable species evolves to resemble an unpalatable or toxic species. The resemblance is thought to be due to the fact that both species share the same enemies, which makes it difficult for predators to learn to avoid the unpalatable species. Mullerian mimicry was first described by the German biologist Fritz Muller in 1878.
Batesian mimicry is a type of mimicry where a harmless species evolves to resemble a harmful species. The resemblance is thought to be due to the fact that both species share the same enemies, which makes it difficult for predators to learn to avoid the harmful species. Batesian mimicry was first described by the British naturalist Henry Walter Bates in 1883.
Differentiation of Batesian Mimicry and Mullerian Mimicry
Mimicry is a type of adaptation in which an organism adopts the characteristics of another species to avoid being eaten or to lure prey. There are two types of mimicry: Batesian mimicry and Mullerian mimicry.
In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species adopts the characteristics of a harmful species to avoid being eaten. The harmless species is called a mimic and the harmful species is called the model. The mimic benefits from the protection provided by the model.
In Mullerian mimicry, two or more harmful species adopt the same characteristics to avoid being eaten. The Mullerian mimicry benefits all of the species involved.
The two types of mimicry are distinguished by the way in which the mimic benefits. In Batesian mimicry, the mimic benefits from the protection provided by the model. In Mullerian mimicry, the mimic benefits from the similarity of the different species.
Evolution of mullerian mimicry
Mullerian mimicry is a form of mimicry where two or more unpalatable species evolve to resemble each other. The first unpalatable species to evolve is called the model, while the later species to evolve is called the mimic. Mullerian mimicry is thought to evolve when the model emits a warning signal that is costly to produce, but effective at deterring predators. The mimic then evolves to resemble the model, and benefits from the signal produced by the model.
Selective Advantage
A selective advantage is an attribute or characteristic that increases an organism’s chances of surviving and reproducing in its environment. For example, a bird that can fly high and fast has a selective advantage over a bird that cannot, because it can avoid predators and find food more easily.
Genetics and Genomics
Genetics is the study of genes and their effects on heredity and variation. Genomics is the study of the structure, function, and evolution of genomes. Genes are the basic units of heredity, and they are passed from parents to their offspring. Genomes are the complete set of genetic information in an organism.
Mimicry Complexes
Mimicry complexes are networks of interacting species that share a common trait. The trait can be something as simple as a color, or as complex as a behavior. The members of a mimicry complex share an evolutionary history, and typically have similar ecological roles.
Mimicry complexes can be found in both plant and animal communities. In plant communities, one common type of mimicry is called Batesian mimicry. In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species mimics a harmful species. For example, the Monarch butterfly mimics the poisonous Monarch caterpillar. This allows the harmless butterfly to avoid being eaten by predators.
In animal communities, one common type of mimicry is called Mullerian mimicry. In Mullerian mimicry, two or more harmful species mimic each other. This confuses predators, and makes it harder for them to distinguish between the different species. For example, the viceroy butterfly mimics the poisonous monarch butterfly. This allows the viceroy to avoid being eaten by predators.
