What is camouflage and its types? Class 7 Science

Class 7 Science -Camouflage

Camouflage is the use of a variety of materials, colours, and lighting to conceal and protect animals and plants from predators. Some animals seem to be able to adapt to any situation. Depending on the situation, their colours, patterns, and skins alter. They may change colour or camouflage themselves to avoid being seen by hunters. To blend in with the environment, they use a combination of materials, colours, and lighting.

Many animals conceal in order to blend in with their surroundings. Chameleons and octopuses are the most common examples of this phenomena. Hunters have a difficult time identifying them since they take on the colour of wood, leaves, or stone. To catch prey or flee from predators, animals employ a range of strategies.

Camouflage is made up of two main elements: pigments and physical makeup. Bio-chromes, for example, are pigments found in octopuses that include microscopic pigments that reflect light to modify the specimen's colour.

As described below, there are various different types of camouflage -

1. Disruptive coloration camouflage: Disruptive coloration patterns use contrasting features such as spots and stripes to break up an animal's contours.

Many animals may change their appearance to a single colour, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. The distracting coloration, on the other hand, is ideal for animals that live in a range of environments.

The Zebra is a great example of a prey that uses disruptive coloration. Zebras have black and white stripes that contrast. As a result, when multiple zebras are gathered in a group, the predator finds it difficult to attack.

2. Disguise: Animals use colour, texture, and shape to change their appearance to blend in with their surroundings. Such camouflages can be seen in spiders, leaf butterflies, dragonfly katydids, stick bugs, or stick insects.

3. Mimesis Camouflage or Mimicry ; Living beings begin to mimic their surroundings to attack prey or escape from predators.

4. Concealing colouration : Most forest animals are brown in colour, while most animals with cold habitats are white in colour.

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