Question

What is the difference between cryptic coloration and mimicry as a defense mechanism of animals?

Answer 1

Hint: The defense mechanism in the case of animals varies according to the various types of species and their habitat. The defense mechanisms help the animals to safeguard themselves from outer harm or from the attack of other animals.

Complete answer
The difference between cryptic coloration and mimicry are as follows:

Cryptic coloration	Mimicry
The condition in which the animals color themselves like their surroundings.	The act of gaining a similarity in a particular character from another animal.
This defense mechanism includes the coloration of the animal’s body similar to the surrounding resulting in camouflage.	This defense mechanism includes the coloration of the animal’s body similar to the other animal.
It results in the hiding of an animal and hiding their location.	It results in the protection of animals from their predators.
Here the predator tries to sneak up on the prey.	It is an antipredator adaptation.
This process is also known as crypsis.	This process includes cryptic mimicry.
Examples: snakes, insects, lizards, etc.	Examples: coral, and false coral snakes.

Additional information
-A butterfly is an insect that constitutes colored wings and fluttering flight. They are the ones that are polymorphic in nature and camouflage themselves or undergo mimicry to protect themselves from their predators.
-In the case of the amphibians it is observed that they develop a large range of coloration on their body which helps them to blend in with their surrounding environment and prevent themselves from predation.
-These defense mechanisms help the animals to mask their identity and presence and help them blend in their environment to safeguard them from the attack of their predator.

Note:
In the case of the plants, the function of thorns and prickles is to act as a defense mechanism against the physical attacks by herbivores and other animals. In some cases of the plants, their stems change the color that helps the plant to insulate and also help them in their growth and development and protect them from damage by extreme temperatures. In the case of cactus plants, spines are the defense mechanism and protect them from damage.