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Müllerian mimicry

a form of mimicry in which two or more species, each of which is toxic or potentially harmful, have similar body shape or coloration. For predators, a single experience with a member of one of these species can lead to learned avoidance of all similar-looking animals, conferring protection on all the mimetic species. [Johann Friedrich Theodor Müller (1822–1897), German zoologist]

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Psychology term of the day

December 20th 2024

anxiety scale

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.