Which statement is a key characteristic of animals that use mimicry?

Which statement is a key characteristic of animals that use mimicry?

• A. They have evolved to resemble another animal, plant, or object.
• B. They are always nocturnal.
• C. They exclusively live in water.
• D. They are immune to predators.

Answer: (A)

Mimicry centers on resemblance. Animals that use mimicry have evolved to resemble another animal, plant, or object. That likeness serves to deceive observers, providing protection from predators or giving an advantage in obtaining food. There are well-known forms, such as harmless species imitating dangerous ones or groups of species sharing a common warning pattern. Traits like being nocturnal, living only in water, or being immune to predators aren’t defining features of mimicry. The defining characteristic is the evolved resemblance to something else, used to fool others.

Mimicry centers on resemblance. Animals that use mimicry have evolved to resemble another animal, plant, or object. That likeness serves to deceive observers, providing protection from predators or giving an advantage in obtaining food. There are well-known forms, such as harmless species imitating dangerous ones or groups of species sharing a common warning pattern. Traits like being nocturnal, living only in water, or being immune to predators aren’t defining features of mimicry. The defining characteristic is the evolved resemblance to something else, used to fool others.