Describe countershading and give an example in mammals.

• A. A darker back and lighter belly pattern that helps conceal the animal from predators looking from above or below.
• B. A uniform coat that matches the environment.
• C. A pattern of bright stripes used for warning predators.
• D. A coloration that changes with seasons.

Answer: (C)

Countershading is camouflage where the top of the animal is darker and the bottom is lighter. This setup helps reduce the visibility of the animal’s outline because light usually comes from above, so a darker back blends with the ground, while a lighter belly blends with the brighter sky when viewed from below. In mammals, a classic example is the white-tailed deer, which has a darker dorsal side and a lighter ventral side. This pattern helps conceal the deer from predators scanning from either direction, by minimizing shadows and silhouette.