Question

Moth caterpillars that mimic bird droppings are an example of which one of the following phenomena?

• A. Aposematism
• B. Batesian mimicry
• C. Masquerade
• D. Müllerian mimicry

Hint:

Masquerade is when an organism resembles an object that is not preyed upon, like bird droppings, to avoid detection by predators.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the concept of masquerade.
Masquerade is a form of camouflage where an organism mimics an inedible object to avoid predation. Moth caterpillars that resemble bird droppings use this technique to blend in with their environment, avoiding predators.
Step 2: Explanation of other options.
- (A) Aposematism involves bright warning colors to signal toxicity.
- (B) Batesian mimicry involves harmless organisms mimicking harmful ones to avoid predation.
- (D) M¨ullerian mimicry involves two harmful species mimicking each other to reinforce predator avoidance.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Moth caterpillars mimicking bird droppings are best described by masquerade, which is a form of mimicry involving deception through resembling an inedible object.