Eli5 How do animals and insects get so specific with their camouflage?

Question

Like dry leaves or shapes of animals. How do they know what to mimic??

In: 283

Answer 1

Every generation of a certain bug has a slightly different genetic makeup with some random mistakes or mutations. Sometimes the mutation makes them blend into the background better. Those more well hidden reproduce and pass on their good camouflage. Sometimes the good camo gets another mutation that’s even more beneficial or makes them even harder to spot. They reproduce successfully again and pass on the genes.

Times that over millions of years and then you have bugs that look like sticks and leaves and flowers.