Müllerian mimicry
- Pronunciation
- /myoo-LAIR-ee-uhn MIM-ih-kree/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Müllerian mimicry
- Plural
- Müllerian mimicries
Definition
A form of biological resemblance in which two or more harmful or unpalatable species evolve to look similar, thereby reinforcing a shared warning signal to predators.
Etymology
Named after the German naturalist Fritz Müller, who first described this form of mimicry in the 19th century.
Example
Both the Monarch butterfly and the Viceroy butterfly exhibit Müllerian mimicry, as both species are toxic to predators and have similar coloration.
Synonyms
- Mutual mimicry
Related Terms
- Batesian mimicry
- Aposematism
- Predator-prey interactions
- Natural selection
Usage Notes
Müllerian mimicry is distinct from Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species mimics a harmful one. In Müllerian mimicry, all participating species are genuinely harmful.