Question

In external appearance, the krait and Iycodon are indistinguishable. This is an example of
A. Analogy
B. Imitation
C. Mimicry
D. Homology

Answer 1

Hint: Krait also known as the Indian krait is the species of a venomous snake. Lycodon aulicus also known as the Indian wolf snake is a species of non-venomous snake. Both species are similar in appearance.

Complete answer: Mimicry can be of two types batesian mimicry, mullerian mimicry. One who acts is called a mimic and one whose acting is done by model. In batesian mimicry, mimic is non-toxic and models are toxic. Organism mimics the toxic model for protection. Mimic is palatable but the model is non-palatable. Mimic in Batesian mimicry is harmless which mimics the harmful model. Only mimic receives an advantage. Indian krait is the species of a venomous snake. Lycodon aulicus also known as the Indian wolf snake is the species of non-venomous snake. Here, Lycodon acts as a mimic and krait acts as a model. The appearance of both the organisms is similar and Lycodon receives protection. This is an example of batesian mimicry. In mullerian mimicry, both model and mimic are toxic or both are non-toxic. Both receive benefits of performing mimicry.
So, the correct answer to the given question is option C, i.e., Mimicry.

Note: Auto-mimicry is the phenomenon where an animal mimics its own species. The main motto behind performing mimicry is to gain protection. Mimicry is the phenomenon where two organisms of different species resemble. The purpose of performing mimicry is to protect themselves from predation.