Can Predators Distinguish Between a Venomous Snake and a Non-Venomous Mimic?

The eastern coral snake is venomous and warns its predators with its bright colors. The scarlet king snake is non-venomous but has coloration that mimics the coral snake. Can predators distinguish between a venomous snake and a non-venomous mimic?

You design an experiment to test the frequency of predator attacks in both snake species. You design a controlled study in the field (conducted in the woods) to document the number of attacks on clay snake models of both snake species to discern if predators actively avoid or actively attack venomous snakes. Which of the following statements communicates what this experiment is testing?

a. When attacked in the woods by predators, the eastern coral snakes will produce more venom than king scarlet snakes.
b. Predators attack clay snakes more frequently than live snakes because predators can tell the clay snakes are not real.
c. Predators attack clay snakes less frequently than five snakes because predators can tell the clay snakes are not real.
d. Predators will attack the scarlet king snakes less often because of their warning coloration.

The Experiment on Predators and Snakes

Predators are animals that hunt and kill other animals for food. They are also known as carnivores. Examples of predators include snakes, lions, tigers, wolves, sharks, and eagles.

The Experiment Design

The experiment is designed to test whether predators can distinguish between a venomous snake, the eastern coral snake, and a non-venomous mimic, the scarlet king snake. The experiment involves placing clay models of both snake species in the woods and recording the frequency of predator attacks on these models. The hypothesis is that predators will attack the venomous coral snake more frequently than the non-venomous king snake due to their warning coloration.

Hypothesis Statement

The hypothesis that the experiment is evaluating is best expressed as follows: "Predators will attack the scarlet king snakes less often because of their warning coloration." This hypothesis aims to test if predators can distinguish between a venomous snake and a non-venomous mimic based on coloration cues.