Camouflage in Nature - Key to Survival and Evolution

Camouflage in Nature - Key to Survival and Evolution 

Dr Abe V Rotor 

There are four basic types of camouflage: 

• concealing coloration, 
• disruptive coloration, 
• disguise and 
• mimicry. 

Home Assignment: How does camouflage help an animal to survive in its environment?   

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These moths mimic the color and pattern of their footholds, 

sleeping during the day in perfect camouflage against predators.

At night they are active searching around for food and mates,    

and shortly die after.  They are ephemeral for whatever design,

and purpose - we have yet to discover and fully understand.

Different species of tree lizards on perfect camouflage on different 

tree trunks. 

Camouflage is in changing colors and patterns - the chameleon;

     in imitating some part of its host - the walking stick;

the bagworm like protruding thorn, or pagoda covering its larva; 

     monarch butterfly, and viceroy butterfly*, its mimic.  

Viceroys (Limenitis archippus) are Monarch mimics, even though they're not very closely related. ... By looking almost the same and both being toxic partners, the two species (in this case the Monarch and the Viceroy) both benefit from each other.

Where is the cicada?  How many are they? Look again.  

How about the lower photo?  Is it sargassum seaweed,

or fish?