How does a mimic octopus decide what animal to mimic?
The mimic octopus does not actually decide what animal to mimic. Instead, it has the ability to rapidly change its color, shape, and movement patterns to resemble various marine creatures as a form of camouflage and defense mechanism. It can mimic a wide range of animals such as flatfish, lionfish, sea snakes, jellyfish, and even crabs.
The selection of the mimicry pattern is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and learning from observing its surroundings. Juvenile mimic octopuses learn by observing and imitating other animals, including their movements and coloration. Over time, they develop their own repertoire of mimicry patterns based on their experiences and encounters with different species.
However, it's important to note that mimic octopuses do not have conscious decision-making abilities or higher-level intelligence. Instead, their mimicry is an automatic response triggered by the environment and potential threats.