Mimicry
Introduction of a Wikipedia article.
Complete article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimicry

Biological mimicry occurs when a gr of organisms, the mimics, ha evolved to sh common perc characteristics with another group, the models, through the sele action of a signal-receiver or dupe. Collectively this is known as a mimicry complex. The model is usua ano spec except in cas of automimicry. The signal-receiver is typically another intermediate organism like the common predator of two species, but may actual be the mo itse su as a mo resembling its spid pr As an in mimicry is in most ca advantage to the mimic and harm to the receiver, but may increase, red or ha no effect on the fitn of the model depending on the situation. Mode thems are di to define in so cases, for examp eye spots may not gear resembl to any specific orga eyes, and camouflage often cannot be attributed to any particular model. A planthopper mimics a leaf (mimesis) Camouflage, in whi a spec appears similar to its surrounding is essentially a form of vis mimicry, but usually is restricted to cases whe the model is non-living or abiotic. In between camoufla and mim is mimesis, in which the mimic takes on the properties of a specific obj or organism, but one to which the dupe is indifferent. The lack of a true distinction between the two phen can be seen in animals that resemble twigs, bark, leaves or flowers, in that they are often clas as camouflaged (a plant constitutes its "surroundings but are so classified as mimics (a plant is al an organism). Crypsis is a broader concept that encompas all forms of detection eva such as mimicry, camou hiding etc. Tho mimicry is most obvi to humans in visual mimics, others senses such as olfaction (smell) or hearing may be involved, and more th one ty of signal may be employed. Mimicry may involve morph behavior, and other properties. In any ca the signal al functions to deceive the receiver by preventing it fr correctly identifying the mimic. In evolutionary te this ph is a fo of co-evolution usu involving an evolutio ar race, and shou not be confused wi convergent evolution, whi occu when species come to resemble one another independently due to similar li Mim may have multip models dur different stages of the life cycle, or th may be polymorph with different individuals imitating different models. Mod themselves may ha more th one mimic, tho frequency dependent selection favors mimicry where models outnumber mimics. Models tend to be relatively clos related organ but mim of vas different species is also know Most known mimics are insects, though many oth animal mi including mammals are known. Plants and fungi may also be mimics, th less research has been carri out in this area.

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