When an animal blends into the background, continuity helps us to see the background lines and the shapes as continuing, often through the animal. A 'Walking stick' or an inchworm on a tree branch illustrates this. Many animals are colored in such a way as to make them easily blend into the background. If the animal were significantly different than the background of its habitat, then we could easily identify it. But the spotted fawn in the forest, the fish in the water, or the polar bear in the snow all blend in so well that it is difficult to detect them.
Color is often very important in helping the animal hide in an environment.
Some animals can even change colors to blend in better with the environment. One example of this is the chameleon that can change from brown to green, depending on its surroundings. The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .