Mimicry VS Camouflage

Mimicry VS Camouflage

By Alyssa Miller

Mimicry

Mimicry is a similarity of one species to another species, in which some protection is offered. Mimicry can be appearance, behaviors, sounds or smells.

There are two organisms in a mimicry relationship:

The mimics,  the organism that has evolved to share similar perceived characteristics with another group, known as the models.

Camouflage

Camouflage is when a creature has a combination of colors and patterns that make it blend in to its surroundings.

On the next slides:

Decide if the animals are using mimicry, camouflage, or both.

Multiple Choice

The caterpillar stage of the Elephant Hawk Moth resembles a snake-like creature to ward off birds and other predators.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The Madagascar Leaf-Tail Gecko blends into the forest background so that it cannot be detected.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The Orchid mantis hides in orchids. An unsuspecting insect come to drink nectar, and the mantis strikes!

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

This octopus is capable of disguising itself as a poisonous lionfish and sea snake.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

A species of decorator crab known as the “Little Seaweed Crab”. These crabs take materials from their environment and decorate themselves with it.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The “ghost pipe fish” feeds on tiny crustaceans and is disguised as plants.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The robber fly looks and sounds like a bee, but it can’t sting!!

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The nonvenomous king snake looks shockingly similar to that of its deadly distant cousin, the coral snake.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The leafy sea dragon has similar colors and patterns as its surroundings

• Mimcry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

A jumping spider that eats ants, that looks like an ant

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The jaguar’s spotted coat helps it blend in to the jungle flora.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Multiple Choice

The artic hare has a winter coat of white fur, which sheds to reveal a brown coat for summer.

• Mimicry

• Camouflage

• Both

Open Ended

Why do you think that mimicry and camouflage exist in nature?

Open Ended

if you had to choose between the phrase “natural selection gives organisms what they need” vs. “natural selection chooses traits that are most successful”, which one would you choose? defend your answer.

Open Ended

Why does genetic variation play an important role in natural selection?

Open Ended

Describe a situation (real or hypothetical) in which genetic variation played a role in the organisms we see today that exhibit mimicry or camouflage.

Open Ended

What is the relationship between mimicry/camouflage and adaptations?