Question

What is the reason that Monarch butterflies are avoided by their predators?

• A. Its ugly look
• B. A special chemical present in its body which is acquired during the adult stage
• C. Both (a) and (b)
• D. A special chemical present in its body which is acquired during the caterpillar stage

Answer 1

The correct option is D A special chemical present in its body which is acquired during the caterpillar stage

Predation is one of the population interactions where one species is benefited and the other is harmed.

The prey species tend to develop a defensive mechanism to avoid its predators.

The predator of Monarch butterfly is a bird. But the predator often avoids this butterfly as it is highly distasteful. The reason for this being a special chemical present in its body which is acquired during its caterpillar stage by feeding on the poisonous weeds.

The physical appearance of the butterfly is not the reason it is avoided by its predators.