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Batesian Mimicry

Last updated: January 31, 2017

What Does Batesian Mimicry Mean?

Batesian mimicry is a form of mimicry found in nature that involves a species mimicking or copying the appearance of another species for safety. The species that copies the other is called the mimic, and the species which is copied is called the model. The word mimic is almost always associated with Batesian mimicry along with any other kind of mimicry.

Safeopedia Explains Batesian Mimicry

Batesian mimicry works to protect the mimic because the model species that is being copied usually has markings that point out to predators of both species that it is dangerous. The model usually has a foul taste or is toxic, and this wards off dangerous predators for the model species. As the mimic copies the appearance of the undesirable species, the predator can be avoided by the mimic.

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