Thursday, June 17, 2010

Batesian Mimicry




This is an example of batesian mimicry. Batesian mimicry is when a species evolves to "mimic" certain characteristics that would keep the species from harm. In this photo, the blue is the front side of the butterfly. The brown with "eyes" is the backside of the butterfly. This butterfly has evolved to trick its predator. With the flap of its wings, the butterfly goes from being a pretty blue to a menacing brown with "eyes". Therefore, the predator is confused and fearful. The "mimicking" happening here is that fact that is "borrowing" the characteristic of having "eyes".

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