Question

Which of the following adaptations do viceroy butterflies use? Option 1: Mimicry to resemble toxic monarch butterflies Option 2: Camouflage to blend in with their surroundings Option 3: Fast flight to escape predators Option 4: Bioluminescence for night-time communication

Answer 1

The primary adaptation viceroy butterflies use is Batesian mimicry, mimicking the coloration of toxic monarch butterflies without inheriting their toxicity, thus fooling potential predators.

Step-by-step explanation:

The viceroy butterfly primarily uses Batesian mimicry as its key survival adaptation. This mimicry is a form of biological strategy where a non-toxic or harmless species, in this case, the viceroy butterfly, resembles a harmful or toxic species, which is the monarch butterfly in this instance. By doing so, it deters potential predators who fear the harmful effects associated with consuming the toxic species.

This type of adaptation serves as an aposematic defense mechanism and increases the survival rate of viceroy butterflies. Mimicry, in general, helps species ward off predators without needing to evolve physical or chemical defenses. The viceroy butterfly, otherwise palatable to predators, protects itself by imitating the color pattern of the toxic monarch butterfly, thereby fooling predators into thinking it is harmful to consume.

Learn more about Batesian mimicry