When an animal has a dark-coloured dorsal surface and a light-colouration ventral surface, this is an adaptation called
Countershading is a form of camouflage where animals are darker on their upper surfaces (dorsal) and lighter on their lower surfaces (ventral), helping them appear flatter and blend into their environment by canceling out shadows.
The darker dorsal coloration absorbs light, while the lighter ventral coloration reflects it, creating a more uniform appearance and minimizing the contrast that would otherwise highlight the animal's shape and shadows.
Countershading can also help an animal blend into its environment by matching the color and brightness of the sky above and the darker waters or ground below.
There is an explanation video available below.
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