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E unusual patterns on a silk moth’s wings are an example of mimicry in the wild. What do you think these moth wings mimic? Why does this kind of mimicry protect the moth?

a) Leaves; to blend with the environment
b) Eyes of a predator; to scare away threats
c) Flowers; for camouflage during pollination
d) Snake scales; to deter predators

User Jpmelos
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Final answer:

The silk moth's wings mimic the eyes of a predator, using Batesian mimicry to avoid predation by appearing as a threat. Mimicry and camouflage are survival strategies that provide an advantage by deterring would-be predators.

Step-by-step explanation:

The unusual patterns on a silk moth's wings are an example of mimicry in the wild. These moth wings mimic the eyes of a predator, specifically option (b), to scare away potential threats. This is a form of Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species adopts the warning coloration of a harmful one to avoid predation. Predators often avoid prey that appears dangerous or inedible, so by mimicking the eyes of predators, the moth creates an illusion of being a threat itself. Therefore, when a predator sees the eye patterns, it may mistake the moth for a predator and decide to avoid the moth, hence protecting it.

Mimicry and camouflage are adaptive strategies that provide a survival advantage. As some predators steer clear of prey with certain colorations, species like the silk moth use this to their advantage by evolving such deceptive appearances to prevent being eaten. The clear benefit of this mimicry is the moth's increased chance of survival in the face of predation.

User Geofftnz
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