Monarch Butterfly noteaten by predators because of

Options

A. Rough skin
B. Bitter taste
C. Foul smell
D. Colouration

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Monarch Butterfly Characteristics**: The Monarch butterfly is known for its distinctive orange wings with black lines and white dots. This bright coloration makes it easily recognizable.

2. **Understand the Role of Coloration**: The bright colors of the Monarch butterfly serve as a warning signal to potential predators. This is a form of aposematism, where the coloration indicates that the butterfly is not a good choice for a meal.

3. **Recognize the Toxicity**: Monarch butterflies are toxic due to the presence of cardenolides (also known as cardiac glycosides) that they accumulate from their diet, specifically from feeding on milkweed during their larval stage.

4. **Link Coloration to Predation**: The bright coloration and toxicity together signal to predators that the Monarch butterfly is unpalatable. Predators learn to associate the butterfly's appearance with a bad taste or potential harm.

5. **Choose the Correct Answer**: Among the options given, the reason why Monarch butterflies are not eaten by predators is primarily due to their **bitter taste**. This bitterness, combined with their bright coloration, deters predators from consuming them.

**Final Answer**: Monarch butterflies are not eaten by predators primarily because they have a **bitter taste**.

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