Question

Explain Batesian mimicry with an example.

Answer 1

In Batesian mimicry, a harmless and palatable animal (mimic) resembles a poisonous or distasteful animal (model) in colour, markings and shape, so predators avoid it.

Example: The non-poisonous Viceroy butterfly mimics the poisonous Monarch butterfly. Predators avoid the Viceroy because they associate its pattern with the Monarch's toxicity.