Question

Harmless king snakes mimic the color patterns of venomous coral snakes, which serve as models. If avoidance were based solely on prior predator experience with the model, what do you predict would happen in areas where coral snakes were never present?a. Predators would initially avoid king snakes but soon learn to attack and eat them.
b. Predators would initially attack and eat king snakes but soon learn to avoid them.
c. Predators would attack and eat king snakes.
d. No predictions can be made based on the information given.

Answer 1

Answer: option A - Predators would initially avoid king snakes but soon learn to attack and eat them.

Explanation:

Though, coral snakes have never been present; some predators are LIKELY to have just migrated into new territories (leaving previous territories due to Coral snake ferocity) and as a result will INITIALLY avoid king snakes but later (due to limited food chain) approach King snakes for food