Camouflage

How to animals use camouflage and mimicry to blend into their habitats?

Camouflage is the ability of animals to blend into their surroundings. Mimicry is when one animal acts like another. Ask questions like, “How can animals hide from humans or other animals?” “Why might an animal want to blend into their surroundings?”. “Why might an animal to pretend to be like another animal?” Often, animals mimic more dangerous or poisonous animals in order to avoid being eaten. While watching the suggested programming, pay attention to and discuss examples of mimicry and camouflage.

Key Vocabulary: Camouflage, Mimicry

Check out this video explaining camouflage, and/or this video explaining mimicry.

Watch an episode of Wild Kratts.

Wild Kratts airs Monday - Friday on WITF TV at 7:30am and 12:30pm. You can also watch on WITFK 24/7 at 6pm and 6:30pm. The Wild Kratts episode you choose will help you explore animals and where they live.

Using paper and crayons, create an animal or creature and cut it out. Color it so that it matches a space in your home or outside.

Materials: paper, crayons, scissors

Extension: Go outside and try to observe camouflage or mimicry in action! Can you find birds that match the colors of their surroundings? What about rabbits or squirrels? Can you find any insects or bugs? Why do you think some of them are bright and don’t match their surroundings?

• Nature Changer

• Wild City Search

• Creature Features

• Secrets of Animal Camouflage by Carron Brown

• How to Hide a Butterfly and Other Insects by Ruth Heller

• BioMimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature by Dora Lee

• Hide and Seek Animals by Kristin Eck

Also check your local library! You can find a list on our main page of local library systems.

If you enjoyed this week's activities and resources, you could be a Wildlife Photographer. Wildlife photographers document wildlife in their natural habitat by taking photos

• Explore National Geographics 5 Wildlife Photography tips.

• Explore Why Youth Should Focus on Nature by the National Wildlife Federation.

Also check out our STEM Career Connections page for more ideas about STEM Careers!