when the predator approaches
They have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from some small predators like ants, but it is not effective against mammals, reptiles, and other large predators.
The musky smell is a defense mechanism, which is an effective repellent against many predators.
Cryptic coloration refers to an organism's ability to blend in with its surroundings using color patterns and markings that help it avoid detection by predators or prey. This adaptation enhances the organism's chances of survival by making it difficult to spot against its background, increasing its chances of survival.
To hide from sharp-eyed predators like birds, many moths have cryptic coloration (camouflage) which makes them difficult to see against a particular background. Many moths have the color and patterns of tree bark. A moth's cryptic coloration protects it from birds and other preditors.
An animal that copies the coloration of another animal is known as a mimic or a mimicry. Mimicry occurs when one species evolves to look like another, usually for protection against predators or to gain an advantage when hunting. An example of this is the Viceroy butterfly, which mimics the coloration of the toxic Monarch butterfly to avoid being eaten by predators.
Bluebottles are named after their shiny, iridescent blue-green color. This coloration helps to attract potential mates and is also a form of defense against predators.
One of the southern Corroboree frogs adaptations is to lay their tadpoles into the water and wait until there is a flood which distributes the eggs which hatch and start the process all over again.
Snowshoe hares use camouflage as a defense mechanism. Their fur changes color with the seasons, helping them blend into their surroundings. In summer, they have brown fur, while in winter, their fur turns white to match the snow, making them less visible to predators.
Penguins appear black due to their dense coat of feathers that are actually dark blue or gray in color. This coloration camouflages them when swimming in the ocean against predators looking up from below.
Moths with lighter coloration were more visible against the darkened bark (as a result of the soot) and were thus more easily spotted by predators. Moths with darker coloration had a selective advantage as they were less visible to predators.
Pipevine swallowtails (Battus philenor) are unique for their striking iridescent blue and black coloration, which serves as a warning to predators about their toxicity. Their larvae feed exclusively on pipevine plants, making them specialized in their diet. This relationship not only provides them with a source of nourishment but also helps them acquire toxic compounds that enhance their defense against predators. Additionally, they exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying different coloration and size.
An echidna is covered with sharp quills. Its nickname is "spiny anteater" because it has so many sharp quills, or spines, which help defend it against predators.