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Q7(c):
Define the following term and give one example for it: Camouflage
Solution :
Definition: Camouflage (Cryptic Coloration)
Camouflage, or cryptic coloration, is an evolutionary adaptation in which an organism utilizes specific physical traits—such as color, pattern, shape, or texture—to blend into its surrounding environment. This mechanism functions by deceiving the sensory systems of potential predators or prey, effectively rendering the organism indistinguishable from its background or other objects in the habitat.
This phenomenon is primarily driven by natural selection, where individuals possessing traits that enhance concealment have a higher probability of survival and reproductive success [Per the Theory of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin].
Mechanism of Action
- Background Matching: The organism's body surface mimics the hue and luminance of the environment.
- Disruptive Coloration: Bold patterns or markings break up the characteristic outlines of the body, making it difficult for an observer to perceive the organism as a singular entity.
- Countershading: Gradations in color (darker on top, lighter on bottom) neutralize the shadows created by direct light, flattening the appearance of a three-dimensional form.
Exemplar Case Study: The Stick Insect (Order: Phasmatodea)
The stick insect provides a quintessential example of camouflage known as mimicry of inanimate objects. These organisms have evolved body shapes, segments, and joint structures that bear a striking resemblance to twigs or branches of the plants upon which they reside.
Analytical Summary of Biological Significance
| Advantage Type | Biological Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Predator Avoidance | Reduces detection probability by visually oriented predators (e.g., birds). |
| Predatory Advantage | Allows ambush predators to remain undetected by their prey until the strike is initiated. |
Final Solution: Camouflage is an adaptive strategy enabling organisms to conceal themselves against their surroundings through morphological or physiological traits, thereby increasing survival rates. A classic example is the stick insect (Phasmatodea), which mimics the form and texture of twigs to evade detection by predators.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations EXERCISES
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q1: List the attributes that populations possess but not individuals.
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase (\(r\)) of the population?
- Q2: If a population growing exponentially double in size in 3 years, what is the intrinsic rate of increase ((r)) of the population?
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q3: Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q4: An orchid plant is growing on the branch of mango tree. How do you describe this interaction between the orchid and the mango tree?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q5: What is the ecological principle behind the biological control method of managing with pest insects?
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q6: Define population and community.
- Q7(a): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (a) Commensalism
- Q7(a): Define the following term and give one example for it: Commensalism
- Q7(b): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (b) Parasitism
- Q7(b): Define the following term and give one example for it: Parasitism
- Q7(c): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (c) Camouflage
- Q7(d): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (d) Mutualism
- Q7(d): Define the following term and give one example for it: Mutualism
- Q7(e): Define the following terms and give one example for each: (e) Interspecific competition
- Q7(e): Define the following term and give one example for it: Interspecific competition
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q8: With the help of suitable diagram describe the logistic population growth curve.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q9: Select the statement which explains best parasitism.
- Q10: List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
- Q10: List any three important characteristics of a population and explain.
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Organisms and Populations
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Microbes in Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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