Being able to blend into the environment is an adaptation known as camouflage. This adaptation helps animals blend in with their surroundings. The octopus changes color instantly from black to gray to red to match its background. It can also change the texture of its skin, becoming bumpy or smooth to blend in with rocks and seaweeds.
Protective coloration is when an animal has the same color as its surroundings. Their camouflage makes it hard for enemies to single out individuals.
Protective coloration is when an animal has the same color as its surroundings. Their camouflage makes it hard for enemies to single out individuals.
Protective resemblance is another form of camouflage. This is when an animal looks almost identical to something in its surroundings. For example, a walking stick looks like a twig on trees or shrubs. When it is resting, it has the same color, shape, and position as a twig.
Mimicry allows one animal to look, sound, or act like another animal to fool predators into thinking it is poisonous or dangerous.
Counter shading is when the top side of an animal is a different color from the bottom side. Most fish have counter shading. When seen from above, the fish blend in with the bottom of the lake, river, or ocean. The bottom side of the fish is silver-white. When seen from below, the fish blends with the water's surface and the sky.
Some land animals have counter shading also. The underside of the animal is lighter than the top side.
Some land animals have counter shading also. The underside of the animal is lighter than the top side.
Warning coloration is when an animal has brightly colored body colorings, and they do not blend with their surroundings. The bright colors warn predators to stay away. For example, the lion fish has brightly striped fins with poisonous spines that it displays to would-be attackers.