Food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem (arrows represent energy flow and letters represent species)
-Examine this food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem. Species C is toxic to predators. Which species is most likely to benefit from being a mimic of C?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Question

Food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem (arrows represent energy flow and letters represent species)
-Examine this food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem. Species C is toxic to predators. Which species is most likely to benefit from being a mimic of C?
A) A 
B) B 
C) C 
D) D 
E) E

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Species B is a predator of C, but if it mimics C, it can avoid being attacked by other predators that would otherwise recognize it as a predator. Mimicry is a common strategy in ecosystems where certain species are toxic or dangerous to predators.

Food Web for a Particular Terrestrial Ecosystem (Arrows Represent Energy