Batesian is a term that is commonly used in the field of biology, specifically in the study of evolution. It is a term that refers to a type of mimicry that is observed in certain species of animals. Batesian mimicry is a phenomenon where a harmless species imitates the warning signals of a harmful species to avoid being preyed upon.
Definitions
Batesian mimicry is defined as a form of mimicry where a harmless species imitates the warning signals of a harmful species to avoid being preyed upon. The term Batesian is derived from the name of the British naturalist, Henry Walter Bates, who first described this phenomenon in 1861.
Origin
The term Batesian is derived from the name of the British naturalist, Henry Walter Bates, who first described this phenomenon in 1861. Bates was studying the butterflies of the Amazon rainforest when he observed this type of mimicry in action.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, Batesian mimicry is defined as “mimicry in which a harmless species has evolved to imitate the warning signals of a harmful species directed at a common predator.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines Batesian mimicry as “the resemblance of a harmless species to a harmful or distasteful one, which is avoided by predators, thus affording protection to the mimic.”
Associations
Batesian mimicry is associated with the concept of natural selection, which is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population over time due to their survival advantage. In the case of Batesian mimicry, the harmless species that imitates the warning signals of a harmful species is more likely to survive and reproduce because it is less likely to be preyed upon.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Batesian mimicry include:
- Mimicry.
- Imitation.
- Camouflage.
- Disguise.
- Deception.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of Batesian mimicry include:
- Predation.
- Aggression.
- Attack.
- Vulnerability.
- Exposure.
The same root words
Batesian mimicry is named after Henry Walter Bates, the British naturalist who first described this phenomenon. The term Batesian is derived from his name.
Example Sentences
- The harmless hoverfly has evolved to mimic the warning signals of the stinging wasp through Batesian mimicry.
- The non-venomous king snake imitates the coloration of the venomous coral snake through Batesian mimicry.
- Batesian mimicry is a fascinating example of how evolution can lead to the development of complex and sophisticated survival strategies in animals.