Correct option is B
Batesian mimicry is an example of dishonest signaling where a harmless species (the mimic) resembles a harmful or toxic species (the model) to avoid predators. The mimic does not possess the harmful traits of the model, thus it benefits from the avoidance behavior of predators that associate the model's appearance with danger, making it a form of dishonest signaling.
Information Booster:
- This type of mimicry can be seen in many insects, like certain butterflies and beetles, that resemble dangerous species like wasps or poisonous frogs.
- The term dishonest signaling applies because the mimic is signaling danger without actually being dangerous.
- Dishonest signaling can evolve as a survival strategy, as long as the predator learns to avoid the model species and thus also avoids the mimic.
- The predator must be able to distinguish between the harmful model and the harmless mimic, which means the mimic's resemblance must be accurate enough to trigger avoidance behavior.
Additional Information:
- Batesian model: Refers to the harmful species that the mimic resembles. This is not dishonest signaling but rather the species that the mimic seeks to copy.
- Müllerian model: Refers to two genuinely harmful species that resemble each other, benefiting from shared predator avoidance. There is no dishonest signaling in this case.
- Müllerian mimic: Refers to species that resemble one another because they are both harmful or unpalatable, and therefore, it does not involve dishonest signaling. Both species are genuinely dangerous, reinforcing predator avoidance.
