Consider the consequences of a harmless prey that evolves toward mimicry of a model that has an antipredator defense (Batesian mimicry).What happens to the effectiveness of this defense as more and more prey in the population are harmless mimics? Then consider what happens when a species with bad taste evolves to resemble a model that stings (Mullerian mimicry).
A)The number of Mullerian mimics is limited because they dilute the protection afforded by the warning color pattern,but the addition of more Batesian mimics only strengthens the protective mimicry complex.
B)The increased number of Batesian mimics dilutes or weakens the protection afforded by the warning color pattern,but the addition of more Mullerian mimics only strengthens the protective mimicry complex.
C)The number of both Batesian and Mullerian mimics is limited because both dilute the protection afforded by the warning color pattern.
D)The number of both Batesian and Mullerian mimics is unlimited because they both reinforce the protection afforded by the warning color pattern.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increased number of Batesian mimics dilutes the effectiveness of the warning signal because predators may start ignoring the signal if they encounter too many harmless mimics. In contrast, more Mullerian mimics strengthen the protective mimicry complex because all individuals share the same defense, reinforcing the warning signal.

Consider the Consequences of a Harmless Prey That Evolves Toward