Mimicry and crypsis - a behavioural approach to classification.

Mimetic strategies are characterized by interference in information processes, whereby certain signalreceivers are deceived by a mimic. The function of mimetic behaviour as well as of other behavioural patterns which have evolved is to satisfy the needs of the environment. Therefore it would seem justified to classify the phenomena of mimicry and crypsis on the basis of the aims which mimics have. Furthermore, several ethological ideas and terms of the organism-environment-interrelationships (irrelevant and relevant environment; communicative and information environment) are investigated to find out whether they are suitable to characterize and define animal and plant imitations. There are at least three complexes of mimetic strategies: