Amazonian butterflies, Biology

Assignment Help:

The Amazon rainforest in South America is a biodiverse ecosystem. There are large numbers of plant and animal species making up the food web, including over 350 species of predatory insectivorous birds. In one small area of the rainforest, about 15 km2, there are 60 different species of Ithomiine butterflies.

These 60 species of butterflies have only eight different colour pattern phenotypes. Each of the different phenotypes is found within a particular habitat within this small area. Therefore the different phenotypes are rarely seen together. Scientists initially assumed that each of these phenotypes indicated that there were eight different species of butterflies. Genetic analysis has disproved this, and the resulting phylogeny is shown opposite. It shows, for example, that there are 11 species of butterfly with the ‘eurimedia' phenotype.

Evidence shows that each species of butterfly lays its eggs on only one variety of plant, which is different to other species of butterfly with the same phenotype found in their habitat. The caterpillars feed exclusively on this host plant. However, adult butterflies drink nectar from a range of different flowers which may be in common with other butterflies of the same phenotype. Butterflies sharing the same colour pattern display Mullerian and /or Batesian mimicry.


Related Discussions:- Amazonian butterflies

What is the function of vitamin e, Q. What is the function of vitamin E? In...

Q. What is the function of vitamin E? In which foods can it be found? Vitamin E is also known as tocopherol is a fat-soluble vitamin that participates as coenzyme in the respir

What was lamarcks explanation for the succession, What was Lamarck's explan...

What was Lamarck's explanation for the succession of fossils in a given location? ps: I want to the idea for the succession of fossils, not the whole difference between Darwin and

Define the medical complications of bulimia nervosa, Define the Medical Com...

Define the Medical Complications of Bulimia Nervosa? The medical complications of bulimia nervosa range from fairly benign, transient symptoms, such as fatigue, bloating and co

Short coming of cell theory, SHORT COMING OF CELL THEORY / EXCEPTIONS OF CE...

SHORT COMING OF CELL THEORY / EXCEPTIONS OF CELL THEORY (i)       Viruses can be considered as exception to cell theory. They are made of proteins and ones of nucleic acid i.e.

Show mrna synthesis of eukaryotic cells, Q. Where in eukaryotic cells does ...

Q. Where in eukaryotic cells does mRNA synthesis take place? To where do these molecules migrate? Messenger RNA molecules are synthesized within the nucleus, pass through gain

Which are the beings that form the kingdom animalia, Which are the beings t...

Which are the beings that form the kingdom Animalia? What are the two big groups into which this kingdom is divided? The kingdom Animalia is the animal kingdom. Commonly the ki

Cardinal manifestation of cardiovascular disorders, CARDINAL MANIFESTATION ...

CARDINAL MANIFESTATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS Cardiovascular symptoms that most often trouble patients are: 1. Chest Pain 2. Shortness of Breath 3. Palpitation

What is the symptoms of vibrio parahaemolyticus, what is the Symptoms of VI...

what is the Symptoms of VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS Symptoms: A total of greater than one million organisms may cause disease.  Symptoms of intoxication which range from mild to se

Which term describes hereditary with high level of uric acid, In studies of...

In studies of human body, which of the below terms is used to describe hereditary condition associated with an excessively high level of uric acid in blood? a) Uric ptosis b

How are membranes classified, Concerning their permeability how are membran...

Concerning their permeability how are membranes classified? Membranes can be divided as impermeable, permeable, semipermeable or selectively permeable. An impermeable membra

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd