Mullerian and Batesian Mimicry by Xin Yi Chew

Similarities Between Mullerian & Batesian Mimicry

chewxy24_ — 2024-05-29 04:22:58 UTC

These two kinds of mimicry are examples of adaptations that enhance the survival chances of the mimic or model species.

Both involve the mimic species evolving to resemble another species visually. in terms of similar colors, patterns, or behaviors to the model species.
Both types of mimicry have an impact on predator-prey relationships. The benefit of mimicking is that predators will learn to avoid specific visual cues linked with danger.

Nature of the Mimic

23006085_3 — 2024-05-29 04:32:26 UTC

Mullerian Mimic- Both the mimic and model are harmful/ distasteful

Bastersian Mimic- The mimic is harmless while the model is harmful/distasteful

Evolutionary Benefit

23006085_3 — 2024-05-29 04:34:41 UTC

Mullerian Mimic- Both the mimic and the model benefit from this evolution as both species will ward off predators that tries to hunt them (Mutually beneficial)

Basterian Mimic- Only the mimic benefits from this. It is a disadvantage to the model as predators would generalize that the mimic is harmless and would also go after the model.

Effectiveness of the Mimic

23006085_3 — 2024-05-29 04:38:29 UTC

Mullerian Mimic- Typically all of the species are harmful -> Reinforces the warning that they are hamrful -> Predators would avoid them

Basterian Mimic -> If the mimic population is larger than the Model population, predators might just attack any of the species it sees regardless of whether it has a probability of being harmful since the mimic population is higher than the Model population, reducing the effectiveness of the harmful warning.

Mullerian Mimicry

yeozhixiang — 2024-05-29 05:22:13 UTC

Shared Black & Yellow striping on bees and wasps, helping reinforce to predators of their aggressive nature and painful, sometimes lethal stings.
Tropical Butterflies such as Heliconius numata mimic species from the genus Melinaea, both genuses being toxic.
Many species of flatworms and nudibranchs share similar bright colorations of blue, yellow and black to deter predators of their toxic nature
Lionfish share similar patterns of red, white and black stripes.
Cone snails all exhibit similar patterns on their shell.
Some Siphonophores such as the Portuguese Man o' War share traits with each other such as a bright coloration and long trailing tentacles, which inflict painful stings.

Batesian Mimicry

yeozhixiang — 2024-05-29 05:31:50 UTC

Scarlet Kingsnakes mimic the Eastern Coral Snake which uses its signal to deter would be predators.
Harlequin Filefish resembles the toxic black-saddled toby, which helps them avoid predation
The False Cleanerfish, known for its aggressive mimicry of the Cleaner Wrasse, also uses this resemblance to avoid being eaten, as most fish in the reef do not attack Cleaner Wrasse to not sabotage their mutual relationship.
Damselfish are generally less targeted by predators due to the various species having a combination of strategies including alarm signals, chemical defences such as harmful or less palatable secretions, and aggressive or territorial behavior. Juvenile Dusky Dottybacks take advantage of this and change their coloration to mimic Damselfish species.

Its complicated :)

yeozhixiang — 2024-05-29 05:34:52 UTC

Viceroy Butterflies mimic the more popular toxic Monarch Butterfly. While this was thought to be Batesian Mimicry, later studies which removed the wings of both species found that predators thought both were equally unpalatable. It is speculated that the relationship between both species might be dependent on plant variety across geographical locations, which influences the diet and palatability of the Viceroy butterfly.