How do some animals camouflage themselves to blend into their surroundings?

Camouflage is a common defense mechanism employed by animals to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. There are many ways in which animals achieve this, including changing color to match their surroundings, using patterns and textures that help them blend in, and altering their body shape to look like something else.

Some animals can change color to match their surroundings, like the chameleon or octopus. Others, like the Arctic hare or ptarmigan, change color seasonally to blend in with snow or rocks. Many animals have patterns or textures on their skin that help them blend in, like the stripes on a tiger or the spots on a leopard. Some animals, like the stick insect or walking stick, are able to mimic their environment by altering their body shape and blending in with plants.

Camouflage is not only important for avoiding predators, but also for sneaking up on prey. Predators that are able to blend in with their surroundings are better able to get close to their prey without being detected. This is why many predators, like the cheetah, have spotted coats that help them blend in with the grasslands where they hunt.