Flounder is a type of fish that looks like the seafloor. This is an example of __________.

• A. Müllerian mimicry
• B. warning coloration
• C. character displacement
• D. Batesian mimicry
• E. cryptic coloration

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of mimicry and coloration in biology. Mimicry involves one species evolving to resemble another, while coloration can serve various purposes such as camouflage or warning.
2. Cryptic coloration is a form of camouflage where an organism's coloration allows it to blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to predators or prey.
3. Consider the characteristics of the flounder. It has a body shape and coloration that closely resembles the seafloor, aiding in its ability to avoid detection by predators.
4. Compare cryptic coloration with other options like Müllerian mimicry, Batesian mimicry, warning coloration, and character displacement. Müllerian mimicry involves two harmful species resembling each other, Batesian mimicry involves a harmless species mimicking a harmful one, warning coloration is used to signal danger, and character displacement involves evolutionary changes in species due to competition.
5. Conclude that the flounder's resemblance to the seafloor is an example of cryptic coloration, as it uses its appearance to blend into its environment and avoid predation.