| |
| |
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..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|