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 increase 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

Batesian mimicry relies on harmless individuals resembling a model that has a warning color pattern but no actual defense, allowing them to avoid predation by deceiving predators into thinking they are not palatable. As more harmless prey species evolve this mimicry, the warning color pattern becomes less effective as predators learn to ignore it. On the other hand, Mullerian mimicry involves species with actual defenses resembling each other, which reinforces the warning signal and makes it more effective in deterring predators. Therefore, the increase in the number of Batesian mimics weakens the protection, but the addition of Mullerian mimics strengthens the protective mimicry complex.

Consider the Consequences of a Harmless Prey That Evolves Toward