Müllerian mimicry

or Mul·le·ri·an mimicry

[ myoo-leer-ee-uhn, muh-, mi- ]

noun

, Ecology.

1. the resemblance in appearance of two or more unpalatable species, which are avoided by predators to a greater degree than any one of the species would be otherwise.

Müllerian mimicry

/ muːˈlɪərɪən /

noun

1. zoology mimicry in which two or more harmful or inedible species resemble each other, so that predators tend to avoid them

Müllerian mimicry

/ myo̅o̅-lîr′ē-ən,mə- /

1. A form of protective mimicry in which two or more poisonous or unpalatable species closely resemble each other and are therefore avoided equally by all their natural predators. The similarity in coloration between the monarch and viceroy butterflies, once considered an example of Batesian mimicry, is now generally considered as Müllerian mimicry because the viceroy is thought to be as bad-tasting to birds as the monarch. Müllerian mimicry is named after the German-born Brazilian zoologist Fritz Müller (1821–97).
2. Compare aggressive mimicry

Word History and Origins

Origin of Müllerian mimicry¹

After German-born Brazilian biologist Fritz Müller (1821–97), who described it in 1878; -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Müllerian mimicry¹

C19: named after J.F.T. Müller (1821–97), German zoologist who first described it

Example Sentences

Dr. Wilson’s lab studies Müllerian mimicry, a defense mechanism whereby different species develop similar traits, with the result that predators learn to avoid the whole group.

From New York Times

Müllerian mimicry is a form of mutualism, in which different toxic species benefit by having the same aposematic colors or patterns.

From Scientific American

Müllerian mimicry is where both species are distasteful.

From Project Gutenberg

The hypothesis of Mullerian mimicry was at first strongly opposed.

From Project Gutenberg