Question

Relation between Viceroy butterfly and Monarch butterfly is that of
A. Camouflage
B. Mullerian mimicry
C. Batesian mimicry
D. Warning coloration

Answer 1

Hint: Both the butterflies i.e. Viceroy and Monarch have a similar appearance. They have wings of orange and black colour combination with white spots on it, which is not a coincidence but means of survival for them. The primary difference between the both is the hind wings of Viceroy have a black line drawn across them.

Complete answer:
Option A- Camouflage
It is a defence mechanism of organisms in which they blend themselves with the surrounding. Such disguised appearance helps the organisms to avoid detection. This not only helps the prey to hide but also the predator to sneak.

Option B- Mullerian mimicry
It is a natural phenomenon where unrelated dangerous organisms possess and show protective warning mechanisms like a similar pattern of bright colours. It need not be visual, for example- snakes exhibit auditory warning signals.

Option C- Batesian mimicry
Another natural phenomenon where harmless organisms mimic the warning mechanism of harmful organisms. This helps the prey to avoid detection by potential predators.

Option D- Warning coloration
Warning coloration is also known as aposematism is a distinctive colour pattern of poisonous and distasteful organisms giving a characteristic appearance that helps the predator to avoid preying on them.

Thus, the correct option is option C- Batesian mimicry.

Note: Birds being the predators avoid Monarch butterflies as they are tasteless and poisonous. So, in order to avoid the detection and chances of becoming the prey, Viceroy butterflies mimic the Monarch butterfly. Hence, this shows the concept of evolution which is known as survival of the fittest.