Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Viceroy, King, and Monarch butterflies showcase which type of adaptations in regards to their survival?

1. Camouflage

2. Mimicry

3. Avoidance

4. Behavioral adaptation

The correct answer is: Avoidance

The correct response highlights the unique adaptations of Viceroy, King, and Monarch butterflies and the concept of avoidance in their survival strategies. These butterflies utilize a form of mimicry as a survival tactic. Specifically, the Viceroy and the Monarch butterflies exhibit a remarkable example of Batesian mimicry, where the Viceroy resembles the toxic Monarch to avoid predation. Predators that have had negative experiences with the toxic Monarch butterflies tend to avoid the Viceroy as well, enabling it to thrive without the need for its own toxicity. This mimicry creates an illusion of danger, which is crucial for the survival of species that are not toxic but can benefit from the protection provided by their resemblance to harmful species. The King butterfly also mimics the Monarch, contributing to the complexity of these interactions among these species. Hence, understanding these relationships emphasizes the significance of mimicry as a critical adaptation in the context of survival, rather than avoidance or other strategies which might not accurately represent their primary survival mechanisms.