Question

Mullerian Mimicry is when:

Select one:
a. An animal hides inside a structure that looks like something inedible, such as a ball of spit
b. A number of animals, non-related and all armed with some defence, look like each other
c. An animal has its body modified to look like a non-edible item such as a thorn or a dead leaf
d. A number of animals, some poisonous and others not, all share the same appearance
e. An animal bears an uncanny resemblance to Frans Muller

Answer 1

Müllerian mimicry occurs when a number of animals, non-related and all armed with some defence, look like each other (Option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

Müllerian mimicry is a phenomenon where multiple species, all armed with some form of defense such as toxins, evolve to share similar warning coloration. This results in a mutual benefit where predators learn to avoid all species with that particular appearance, thereby increasing the survival rate of each mimicking species. This type of mimicry contrasts with Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species imitates the warning coloration of a harmful one.

Additionally, Emsleyan/Mertensian mimicry is rarer and involves a deadly species mimicking a less harmful one, with the idea that predators learn to avoid any prey with that coloration after experiencing unpleasant, but not fatal, consequences.

Müllerian mimicry is an example of a symbiotic relationship termed mutualism, where each participating species benefits. A classic example can be found in certain species of butterflies, where various foul-tasting species exhibit similar color patterns, discouraging predators from consuming any butterfly with that color scheme.

Thus, the correct option is B.