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Camouflage and Mimicry By: Michael Shulman and Eli Miloff
Camouflage and MimicryBy: Michael Shulman and Eli Miloff
What is Camouflage?
What is Camouflage? The act, means, or result of
concealment that allows otherwise visible animals to remain unnoticed by blending in with their environment
Camouflage
Camouflage Camouflage is essentially a form of
visual mimicry, where the species mimics its environment
Camouflage Camouflage is essentially a form of
visual mimicry, where the species mimics its environment
According to Natural Selection, camouflage is a characteristic increases a species chance of survival and reproduction and therefor is passed on
Camouflage
What is Mimicry? Mimicry: A structural adaptation in
which a harmless species resembles a harmful species in color or structure (Textbook)
The similarities of one species to another which protects one or both
3 Types of Mimicry Batesian Mimicry Muellerian Mimicry Self Mimicry
Batesian Mimicry When two or more species are similar in
appearance, but only one is equipped with spines, stingers, or toxic chemistry
Meullerian Mimicry When two unpalatable (distasteful,
indigestible) species are mimics of each other with conspicuous coloration
Self Mimicry When animals have a certain structural
body part that mimics bigger and more intimidating animals during an attack to aid their survival
Example of Camouflage Here is an example of Camouflage
demonstrated by the Peacock Flounder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__XA6B41SQQ&feature=related
Video of the Peacock Flounder
Cuttlefish Mimicking Chess Board
The Mimic Octopus http://www.videobash.com/video_show/t
he-incredible-mimic-octopus-399991
Mimesis An intermediate process between
camouflage and mimicry
Mimesis: The process in which the mimic takes on the properties of a specific organism
This means the species is seen by predator but is mistaken for another organism
Class Activity Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Signs of a Poisonous Snake
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head Fangs
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head Fangs Elliptical (egg) Shaped pupils
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head Fangs Elliptical (egg) Shaped pupils Presence of a rattle on the tail
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head Fangs Elliptical (egg) Shaped pupils Presence of a rattle on the tail Varying colors
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Triangular shaped head Fangs Elliptical (egg) Shaped pupils Presence of a rattle on the tail Varying colors
Most solid colour snakes are harmless
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Watch out for mimics
Signs of a Poisonous Snake Watch out for mimics There are a variety of non-poisonous
snakes that mimic the patterns and behaviors or poisonous snakes
BONUS Q: What type of mimicry is this?
BONUS Q: What type of mimicry is this? A: Batesian Mimicry
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
POISONOUS
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
NON-POISONOUS
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
POISONOUS
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
NON-POISONOUS
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
Identifying Poisonous Snakes
POISONOUS
