What allows an animal to blend in with its surroundings through color, pattern, shape, or behavior?

Camouflage is the term that describes the ability of an animal to blend into its environment using various adaptations such as color, pattern, shape, or behavior. This adaptation serves as a survival mechanism, allowing animals to avoid detection by predators or to ambush prey.

For instance, an animal might have a coloration that matches the color of the leaves or the ground, making it difficult for others to spot. Additionally, behavior can play a role in camouflage, as animals may remain still or choose resting spots that enhance their concealment.

While other terms like disguise or deception might involve changes to appearance or behavior for specific purposes, camouflage specifically refers to this blending with the environment to avoid predation, making it the most accurate answer in this context. Cryptic coloration, while related, is more focused on the color patterns alone and does not encompass the full range of adaptations that camouflage includes.