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Mimesis  [ Ecology ]
Synonym: Mimicry 
Adjective: Mimic, Mimetic, Mimetical
Adverb: Mimetically

Dictionary of botanic terminology
index of names

     
  Mimesis:
(Mimicry)
The resemblance or similarity of an animal or plant species to another species or to a feature of its natural surroundings developed in order to gain some advantage from predators and herbivores.  
   
The mimesis is a phenomenon due to convergent evolution in which different and unrelated species of plants or animals gain an advantage by looking like the individuals of a different species or to a feature of their natural surroundings. For example some animals mimic forms, colours or patterns of dangerous animals to frighten off potential predators.

Others animals and plants are carefully camouflaged to resemble their backgrounds and hide from predators or herbivores.

 


Pseudolithos migiurtinus

A plant
camouflaged to resemble a stone 

  Mimetic: Relating to, characteristic of, or exhibiting mimicry as, mimetic species; mimetic organisms etc  
  Mimic: Any species that imitates another successful species in order to dupe predators into avoiding the mimic.  

Predators stay away from mimics, thinking they are the poisonous animals they look like or dupe prey into approaching the mimic. Example: some flies have evolved to look like bees, with yellow and black stripes

Common types of mimicry include:

  • Batesian mimicry, in which a palatable mimic suffers lower predation due to its closely resemblance to an unpalatable model; For example: non-toxic butterflies have evolved to appear like toxic butterflies in order to evade predators
  • Müellerian mimicry, in which each of two or more unpalatable species enjoys reduced predation due to their similarity; For example two toxic butterflies have evolved to appear very similar.
To mimic [ Biology ]
Transitive verb (Past and past participle mimicked, present participle mimicking, 3rd person present singular mimics)
     
  To assume the resemblance of another totally different plant or animal, or of some surrounding object, as a means of protection or advantage. e.g. to discourage predators, avoid herbivores, attract pollinators etc..
 
 

 


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Holdfast roots  [ Botany  ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

 
     
  Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.  
     
Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans),  develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994
     

 

 

 

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