CAMOUFLAGE INTRODUCTIONMarine ecosystems, particularly those with which humans are familiar through underwater photography and video, or through snorkeling and scuba diving contain an enormous number of species, many of which are spectacular and obvious to our primary sense--sight. However, there are also many other wonderful species that are not so obvious because they are hidden entirely in holes or under the sand, because they are too small to be easily visible, or because they are camouflaged in their environment. The art of blending into the background is especially well developed among many marine species. This camouflage is achieved in various ways, not just by assuming the colors of the surrounding environment. Camouflage is used by marine species, not just to elude detection by predators, but also by some species to enhance the success of their own hunt for prey and to minimize energy expenditures in both eluding predators and capturing prey.Most books, videos and slide shows of underwater life use images that are carefully selected so that it is easy for the viewer to see the creatures that are depicted in the images. However, here, we have included a number of images that would not have normally been included in such publications because it would have been impossible or, at least very difficult, to see the animal depicted in the image without using the enlargement and labeling techniques that we have used in these examples. As you view these images, ask yourself not just "Can I tell what the animal is?," but also "Can I tell what the animal depicted might gain by its camouflage?" Also, if you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, ask yourself "Would I have ever seen this animal if I swam past it?" and "What can I do the next time I am in the water that will help me see such wonderful animals?" To begin, click an example link on the left. |