Camouflage, explained

Camouflage is complicated. It comes in multiple styles, and some animals use more than one to fool predators.

Camouflage, also known as cryptic coloration, isn’t just for soldiers in the military; it’s also common among animals, which use it to blend in with their surroundings, ultimately making them invisible to potential attackers.

There are different types of camouflage, and some animals use more than one kind. One of the most common tactics is background matching. It could be as simple as a fox’s white fur matching the color of the Arctic tundra, or as complex as a leaf insect mimicking the movements of an actual leaf.

Another tactic is disruptive coloration, when animals disguise their identification and location through color patterns. For example, the owl butterfly has what looks like owl eyes on its wings, making predators

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