Why is camouflage considered an adaptation in the context of natural selection and evolution?

• A. Camouflage allows organisms to change their genetic makeup rapidly.
• B. Camouflage enables organisms to produce more offspring by increasing their metabolic rate.
• C. Camouflage allows organisms to blend into their environment, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
• D. Camouflage helps organisms to attract mates by standing out in their environment.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of adaptation: Adaptation is a trait that increases an organism's fitness, meaning its ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.
2. Recognize the role of camouflage: Camouflage is a type of adaptation that allows an organism to blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to predators or prey.
3. Connect camouflage to natural selection: Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Camouflage can enhance an organism's survival by reducing the likelihood of being detected by predators.
4. Consider the evolutionary advantage: Over time, individuals with better camouflage are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes to the next generation. This leads to the evolution of populations with improved camouflage.
5. Evaluate the incorrect options: Camouflage does not involve rapid genetic changes, increased metabolic rates, or attracting mates by standing out. Instead, it is about blending in to avoid detection, which directly contributes to survival and reproductive success.