Müllerian mimicry

Definition

Müllerian mimicry is an evolutionary phenomenon where two or more harmful species evolve to resemble each other. This mutual resemblance enhances predator avoidance and reinforces the learned aversion of predators.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Müllerian mimicry involves multiple unpalatable or harmful species.
2. It differs from Batesian mimicry, where harmless species imitate harmful ones.
3. Fritz Müller proposed this concept in 1878.
4. The effectiveness of Müllerian mimicry increases with the number of mimicking species.
5. Common examples include various species of toxic butterflies like the Heliconius genus.

Review Questions

• How does Müllerian mimicry differ from Batesian mimicry?
• Who first proposed the concept of Müllerian mimicry and when?
• Why does the effectiveness of Müllerian mimicry increase as more species participate?

Related terms

Batesian Mimicry: A form of mimicry where a harmless species evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species.

Aposematism: The use of bright coloration by a toxic or unpalatable organism to warn predators.

Symbiosis:

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological organisms, which can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.