Many animals feed upon other animals. Thus, it is necessary for animals to find ways to avoid their enemies. Some try to blend in with their surroundings. Others try to scare predators, or enemies, away by appearing dangerous. Both of these things are examples of protective coloration—using body colors and markings to increase the chances of survival.

Background matching

An animal that is not seen by its enemy will not be eaten. Many helpless animals have developed body colors that match their surroundings in order to remain unseen. This disguise is known as background matching.

Insects known as walkingsticks are masters at this way of hiding. Their long, thin, greenish to brownish bodies help them look like the twigs of the plants on which they feed. Certain lizards, including chameleons, are able to take background matching a step further. Within minutes, they can change their body color to match a different environment. Varying hares change colors with the season: through the winter their fur is white, and as the snow disappears, their fur turns brown. Thus they remain camouflaged throughout the year.

Other coloration disguises

Spots, stripes, and other color patterns can help break up an animal's outline. Such markings may mask the animal's true shape. Predators may have trouble figuring out the prey's exact distance and location. Some patterned fish will form dense schools when an enemy approaches. The movement of these many individuals with similar patterns confuses the predator and makes it difficult to fix upon and attack any one fish.

Coloration sometimes works to the advantage of the predator. The spots or stripes on the fur of animals such as cheetahs, tigers, and leopards help them to avoid being seen. They can get close to their prey before being spotted, improving their chances of getting food.

Warning coloration

Some animals use color in a different way. They want to be seen in order to warn others not to bother them. Animals that use color in this way tend not to be helpless creatures. Instead, nature has given them ways of defending themselves. For example, some brightly colored snakes have venom, or poison, that can kill an enemy. Bees, which are often boldly colored with bands of yellow against a black body, are known for their stings. Scientists believe that predators learn to associate brightly colored animals with unpleasant or painful experiences. Therefore, the predator is likely to go after a drab animal instead of one with common warning colors such as yellow or red. Some animals are able to take advantage of this association. By displaying the same colors as an animal that is dangerous or bad tasting, the harmless animal can trick its predator into staying away. This is called mimicry.