Batesian mimicry

a form of mimicry in which a species that is nontoxic or palatable to predators mimics the physical shape or coloration of a toxic species. For example, some species of flies have black and yellow coloration similar to bees and wasps with stingers. When predators learn to avoid noxious prey and form generalizations about similar-looking animals, then nontoxic animals are more likely to survive by mimicking the toxic species. [Henry Walter Bates (1825–1892), British naturalist]

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

anxiety scale

any of numerous assessment instruments designed to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms. An important example is the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale. Such scales usually take the form of self-report tests but can also be based on clinician ratings or actual performance.