Question

An example of Mullerian mimicry is

• A. The coloration of the canyon tree frog allows it to blend in with the granite rocks among which it lives
• B. When disturbed, the larva of the hawkmoth puffs up its head and thorax such that is resembles the head of a small poisonous snake
• C. In some orchid species, the flowers resemble female moths and attract male moths that attempt to mate with them, contributing to pollination in the process
• D. The conspicuous coloration of the blue-ringed octopus, which inhabits the coastal waters off Australia, serves to warn predators that it is extremely venomous
• E. Two unrelated poisonous frog species that share the same habitat also resemble each other in coloration

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Two unrelated poisonous frog species that share the same habitat also resemble each other in coloration

Batesian mimicry refers to the resemblance of a harmless or palatable species with that of a dangerous or unpalatable one to make predators avoid them. It is opposite to Mullerian mimicry wherein dangerous, unpalatable, or poisonous species resemble one another to make predator recognize them easily. Two unrelated frog species resemble each other to warn predators; making it the example of Mullerian mimicry. Orchids resembling female moth to facilitate pollination is the example of commensalism as only orchids are benefitted but moth does not obtain any benefit from this association. The coloration of canyon tree frog to blend with rocks is the example of camouflage. Thus, the correct answer is option E.