Question

Viceroy butterfly resembles monarch butterfly. It is an example of
A. Concealing type and protective mimicry
B. Warning type protective mimicry
C. Alluring type aggressive mimicry
D. Concealing type aggressive mimicry

Answer 1

Hint: Mimicry is a kind of adaptation. It is defined as the resemblance of one organism to another or to any natural object for the purpose of concealment, protection or for some other advantages.

Complete answer: The term mimicry was introduced in biology by H.W. Bates (1862).
Mimicry is basically of five types:
Batesian mimicry: It is a form of mimicry in which an edible species resembles an inedible one. e.g., Viceroy butterfly (edible) resembles monarch butterfly (inedible).
Mullerian mimicry: When two or more inedible species resemble each other is known as mullerian mimicry. e.g., Honeybee, Wasp and Hornet etc.
Protective mimicry: When the mimicry provides protection to the mimic. It involves concealing and warning mimicry. e.g., leaf fishes and scarlet king snake.
Aggressive mimicry: A predator or parasitic species resembles other non-threatening species in order to gain access to prey or host. It involves concealing and alluring type. e.g., spiders and fireflies.
Automimicry: Automimicry or intraspecific mimicry occurs within a single species, where an animal mimics parts of its own body. e.g., owls and butterflies.
Viceroy butterfly resembles monarch butterfly. It is an example of Warning type protective mimicry. Viceroy butterfly mimics the unpalatable and toxic species of monarch butterfly to avoid predation. This type of mimicry is also called Batesian mimicry.

So the correct answer is option B.

Note: The organism which exhibits mimicry is called a mimic. The organism or object which is mimicked or imitated is called a model. Mimicry is to protect animals against enemies and it is used for self defense which increases the survival of an organism.