Which term describes the adaptations that allow animals to avoid predation through blending into their environment?

Camouflage refers to the adaptations animals have developed to blend in with their surroundings, thereby avoiding detection by predators. This survival strategy allows animals to match the colors, patterns, and textures of their environment, making it difficult for predators to spot them. For instance, a chameleon changes its skin color to imitate foliage, while certain fish have patterns that mimic rocks or sand on the ocean floor.

This term specifically focuses on the ability of an organism to conceal itself within its habitat, utilizing physical characteristics that provide an advantage in evading predation. In contrast, warning coloration is employed by species that want to signal danger, while mimicry involves resembling another species to gain an advantage, and habitat alteration relates to changes in an animal’s environment rather than its physical appearance.