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.
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..
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
