Skunks, which are noted for their ability to spray would-be predators with a foul-smelling chemical, typically have a coat that is mostly black with contrasting white stripes or spots. This color pattern is an example of
A) mimicry.
B) camouflage.
C) aposematism.
D) crypsis.
E) homotypy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Skunks exhibit aposematism, a protective mechanism in which the animal's bright or contrasting colors serve as a warning to predators that it is venomous or has a foul taste or odor. In this case, the skunk's black and white color pattern warns predators of its ability to spray a noxious chemical. Mimicry refers to an animal's resemblance to another object or organism, camouflage refers to an animal's ability to blend in with its surroundings, crypsis refers to an animal's ability to remain undetected, and homotypy refers to the similarity in appearance between two different species.

Skunks, Which Are Noted for Their Ability to Spray Would-Be