Question

The scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) found in the eastern United States has similar coloration to that of the poisonous eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). This is an example of?

1) aposematism
2) crypsis
3) Müllerian mimicry
4) Batesian mimicry

Answer 1

The scarlet kingsnake's coloration that resembles the venomous eastern coral snake is an example of Batesian mimicry, where a non-harmful species adopts the warning colors of a harmful one to avoid predation. option 4 is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The coloration similarity between the non-venomous scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) and the venomous eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is an example of Batesian mimicry. In this type of mimicry, a harmless species adopts the warning coloration of a harmful species.

The bright, aposematic colors of the coral snake are a warning of its venom, which the kingsnake mimics despite lacking venom itself, thus discouraging predation by shared predators.

The scarlet kingsnake benefits from the resemblance because potential predators tend to avoid the distinct coloration, associating it with the toxicity of the coral snake.