JAMB 2024 Biology · Question 88

The resemblance of an organism to another organism as means of enhancing it's chances of survival in its habitat is known as

Options

  1. A.counter shading
  2. B.protective colouration
  3. C.mimicry
  4. D.warning

Answer: C. mimicry

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing an organism resembling another organism to improve its chances of survival. The key phrase is "resemblance of an organism to another organism."

Step 2: Explain the concepts

  • Counter shading: The upper body is darker and the underside lighter, which flattens the appearance of the body and helps camouflage it (e.g., many fish and sharks). It does not involve resembling another organism.
  • Protective colouration (camouflage): An organism blends into its environment, such as a chameleon matching leaves or a stick insect looking like a twig. This is resemblance to the surroundings, not to another organism in the sense of the question.
  • Mimicry: One organism (the mimic) resembles another organism (the model) in colour, shape, or behaviour to gain protection or another survival advantage. A classic example is the harmless hoverfly resembling a stinging wasp, or the viceroy butterfly resembling the poisonous monarch butterfly.
  • Warning colouration (aposematism): Bright colours advertise that an organism is poisonous or dangerous (e.g., poison dart frogs). It is a signal, not a resemblance to another species. Also, the option says only "warning," which is incomplete.

Step 3: Apply to the question The definition fits mimicry, where one organism resembles another to enhance survival.

Step 4: Answer

Answer: C. mimicry

Tip: Link the keywords to the terms:

  • "Resembles another organism" → mimicry
  • "Blends with surroundings" → protective colouration/camouflage
  • "Bright colours to advertise danger" → warning colouration
  • "Dark top, light belly" → counter shading

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