Camouflage: Definition, Types, & Importance

Animals and plants use a combination of substance, colour, and illumination to hide and protect themselves from predators. We have observed several animals that are capable of adapting to any situation. Depending on the situation, it can alter its colour, pattern, and skin. Chameleons and octopuses are two of the most well-known examples of Camouflage. They can change their colour or disguise themselves to avoid being seen by predators.

Animals use a variety of camouflage techniques, including Mimesis, Disruptive Coloration, Self Decoration, and Active camouflage. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information regarding Camouflage. Scroll down to continue reading!

What is Camouflage?

Camouflage is the phenomenon of using a combination of material, colouration or illumination by animals which enable them to blend themselves with an environment in order to protect themselves from predators or attack prey. Many animals and plants change their colour or pattern as per the situation or background. Sometimes we see animals disguise themselves to become something else in order to escape from predators.

There are several animals who camouflage themselves as per the surrounding. For example, it takes the colour of wood, leaf, or stone so that no predators can detect them. The animals use different methods to catch the prey or escape from the predators. Camouflage is created based on two factors i.e., pigments and physical structure. For example, octopus bears pigments called biochromes which reflect the light in order to change the real colour of the specimen.

Importance of Camouflage

Camouflage is extremely important for certain animals to protect themselves from predators or attack the prey.

1. It helps in hiding from the predators.
2. It will make it impossible for the prey to escape from the predators.
3. It can blend with the natural background color and pattern.

Types of Camouflage

There are different types of camouflage found in animals.

1. Mimesis Camouflage

This happens when something appears that it is not. It starts mimicking the surroundings in order to attack prey or escape from predators. For example, it can mimic leaves, branches, twigs, etc. Mimesis camouflage is seen in Leaf Tailed Gecko, Oakleaf Butterfly, Katydid, and Stick insects.

2. Active Camouflage

Few animals change their colour or pattern to adapt themselves according to their surrounding. For example, Octopus and Flounder fish can change themselves with the environment. Active camouflage is seen in Octopus, Chameleons, Arctic hare, Arctic fox, and Peacock Flounders.

3. Self Decoration Camouflage

Some of the insects and animals blend themselves with the environment. They conceal themselves against a background in order to escape from predators or hunt prey. Self-decoration camouflage is seen in Sea urchins, Masked hunter bugs, etc.

4. Disruptive Coloration Camouflage

Animals use more than one colour, dark spots or stripes to camouflage themselves to escape predators. Disruptive colouration is seen in Tiger, Leopard, Toads, Scorpion Fish, Sea Turtle, etc.

Examples of Camouflage

Below we have listed the examples of Camouflage animals:

• Owl
• Toads
• Uroplatus Geckos
• Frog
• Seahorse
• Spider
• Snow Leopard
• Stick insect
• Willow Ptarmigan
• Common Baron Caterpillar
• Leaf-Tailed Gecko
• Hedgehog
• Tigers
• Chameleons
• Octopus

Summary

Camouflage is the phenomenon of utilising a combination of material, colouration, or illumination by animals that allows them to blend themselves with an environment to protect themselves from predators or to attack prey. Camouflage comprises of two components, namely, pigments and physical structure. Camouflage can be classified into 4 types, namely, Mimesis, Active, Disruptive Colouration, and Self Decoration. Furthermore, some of the examples of Camouflage are tigers, leopards, chameleons, octopuses, stick insects, frogs, etc. Camouflage plays a significant role in hiding from predators, attacking prey, and it easily blends with the environment.

FAQs on Camouflage

Q1. What are the types of camouflage?
Ans. The types of camouflage are Mimesis, Active, Disruptive Coloration, and Self Decoration.

Q2. What is the use of camouflage?
Ans. The use of camouflage is to hide from predators, attack prey, and easily blend with the environment.

Q3. What is camouflage?
Ans. The phenomenon of using a combination of materials, colours, or illumination to protect themselves from predators is called camouflage.

Q4. What is self-decoration camouflage?
Ans. Some of the insects and animals blend themselves with the environment. They conceal themselves against a background in order to escape from predators or hunt prey. Self-decoration camouflage is seen in Sea urchins, Masked hunter bugs, etc.

Q5. What are the examples of camouflage?
Ans. Examples of camouflage are seen in tigers, leopards, chameleons, octopuses, stick insects, frogs, etc.

Q6. What is Disruptive Colouration Camouflage?
Ans: Animals use more than one colour, dark spots, or stripes to camouflage themselves to escape predators. Disruptive colouration is seen in Leopard, Toads, Scorpion Fish, Sea Turtle, etc.

Q7. What is Mimesis Camouflage?
Ans: Mimesis Camouflage occurs when something converts into what it is not. It begins mimicking the surroundings in order to attack prey or escape from predators. For example, it can mimic leaves, branches, twigs, etc.

Now you are provided with all the details on camouflage. Students are also advised to take CBSE Class 12 Organisms and Population mock tests on Embibe. Taking this mock will not only help students prepare for their board exams but will also help in their preparation for competitive medical entrance exams, like NEET and AIIMS.

We hope this detailed article on Camouflage helps you. If you have any doubts regarding this article, drop your queries in the comment box below and we will get back to you as soon as possible