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Use of mimicry as an anti-predator adaptation in animals with backbones / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In evolutionary biology, mimicry in vertebrates is defined by cases in which a vertebrate mimic appropriates some characteristic of a model organism or object (not necessarily a vertebrate) in order to deceive another animal.[1] Mimicry is an adaptation that has evolved to be noticeable to other organisms, in contrast to camouflage, another common type of visual deception that animals use to remain hidden.[2]
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While there are relatively few well-studied examples, many of the basic types of mimicry persist in vertebrate systems[1]. Visual, olfactory, auditory, biochemical, and behavioral modalities of mimicry have been documented in vertebrates.[1][3] Human perception may be a limiting factor in our understanding of vertebrate mimicry, as humans are hyper-perceptive to visual mimicry systems, and find these the most abundant. However, olfactory, biochemical, electroreceptive, and other complex forms of mimicry are likely to be much more common than currently accounted for.[1]
Classification of a mimicry system is largely based on its function (e.g. to defend against predators), and is not mutually exclusive. Though a majority of known mimics are insects, diverse forms of Müllerian, Batesian, predatory, parasitic, sexual, and anatomical mimicry have all been observed in various vertebrate groups, including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish.[3][4]