Viceroy butterflies are not poisonous, but they look just like poisonous monarch butterflies. which behavior does the viceroy use to deter birds that would otherwise eat it?

a. predator behavior

b. mimicry

c. prey behavior

d. instinct

B. Mimicry

Explanation:

Mimicry is a method used by several species for their survival and benefit. It literally means to resemble another organism or object. The resemblance can be in looks or in behaviour.

Various kinds of mimicry exist, for example the one used by viceroy butterflies. They resemble monarch butterflies in appearance, i.e. both of them have orange wings with black ridges and they are hard to differentiate from each other. Monarch butterflies are poisonous so predators do not eat them. Since viceroy butterflies look similar to them, they are also confused as them and not consumed. Hence, they are able to protect themselves due to mimicry.