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 hawk moth puffs up its head and thorax such that is resembles
the head of a small poisonous snake
C. In some orchid species, the flower resemble female moths and attract male moths that attempt
to mate with them ,contribution 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

Hint: Mullerian mimicry is the phenomenon observed mainly in insects. Frogs show this type of phenomena in order to warn their predators. Frogs can resemble each other in coloration in certain conditions. Canyon tree frogs show camouflage phenomena. Orchids show phenomena of commensalism.

Complete step by step answer:
Mullerian mimicry (adaptive feature of animals) was proposed by the German zoologist and naturalist
Johann friedrich Theodor Muller (1821-1897).Insects such as bumblebees and other animals including
poison frogs and coral snakes also show this type of phenomena. This is a natural phenomenon in
which two or more well-defended species. Some animals mimic each other’s honest warning signals, to
their mutual benefit.
Batesian mimicry refers to the similarity among a harmless or palatable species with that of a
dangerous, unpalatable one to make predators avoid them. It is opposite to Mullerian mimicry. In
Mullerian mimicry dangerous or poisonous species resemble one another to make predator recognize
them easily. When the hawk moth disturbs, it suddenly reveal a bright orange-red basal patch on the
hind wing, for distraction. Two unrelated frog species resemble each other in order to warn predators.
Phenomenon of commensalism is observed in orchids. Orchids resemble moths to facilitate pollination.
Only orchids are benefitted but moth remains unaffected and does not obtain any benefit from this
association. The Canyon tree frog blends its color with rocks as an example of camouflage.
From the above information we know that two unrelated poisonous frog species that share the same
habitats also resemble each other in coloration.
Therefore, the correct answer is option E.

Note:
Mullerian mimicry is also observed in birds. Many species of flower resemble each other but actual
mimicry has not been demonstrated. In Aposematic mammals, evolved black and white coloration,
suggesting that Mullerian mimicry may be involved. When the mullerian mimic has formed, other
mimics join them by advergent evolution.