There are a number of views as regards to the origin of mimicry. Some of them are as follows:

1. Natural Selection. According to Weismann, the natural selections is the only factor in the production of mimicry. In opposition to this it has been argued that the mimicry, to be of any selection value, must be perfect at once and the minute variations which are supposed to be the exponents of natural selection, would be of no survival value in mimicry.

2. Mutations another explanation of mimicry is that the mimetic form may have arisen as a large mutation. However, there is little doubt that whatever causes may be secondary operative in the production of colouration and mimicry, natural selection is the chief.

3 Due to the direct influence of the environment acting similarly on different species.

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4 Due to a physiological response, such as colour sensation.

5 Due to sexual selection changed by the presence of other types of colour.

Objections to the Theory of Mimicry

1. Birds and other predators do not eat butterflies and do not kill < sufficient number of them so as to allow mimicry to evolve. Keetswell (1956) proved that melanic moths are eaten by birds. Brower (1958) described that birds do not eat unpalatable butterflies. Poulton and Carpenter proved that butterflies are eaten by birds. Sometimes, the marks of a bird’s beak are also seen on the wings of the butterfly.

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2. Varro (1932) objected that many animals feed on ants and it is dangerous to mimic ants. Other animals do not eat ants. However, inedibiiiy is relative term which depends on the degree of hunger of insectivorous birds.

Significance of Mimicr

The main significance of mimicry is to protect the animals against enemies. This self defence is naturally of the survival value and of evolutionary significance. Thus, mimicry is a special type of adaptive colouration in animals. It is more specialized in spiders and insects. Genetic variability and natural selection work in balance to bring about the mimicry and it is of advantage to the species.