Countershading: Why Do Penguins Wear Tuxedos?

The video explores Abbott Thayer's theory of counter shading, a pattern where animals have lighter bellies and darker backs. Thayer proposed that this pattern helps animals blend into their environments, making them harder to spot. While naturalists found many examples supporting his ideas, recent scientific tests have shown mixed results. Alternative hypotheses suggest counter shading might protect against UV radiation, aid in heat management, or have other evolutionary benefits. The complexity of counter shading suggests multiple evolutionary drivers rather than a single explanation.

What was Abbott Thayer's primary question regarding animal coloration?

• Why do animals have stripes?

• Why do animals change color with seasons?

• Why do animals have light bellies and dark backs?

• Why do animals have colorful feathers?

What is one method scientists used to test Thayer's counter shading hypothesis?

• Observing animals in the wild

• Using computer models

• Presenting birds with fake insects

• Studying animal fossils

Which of the following is NOT a proposed benefit of counter shading?

• Increased food intake

• Better UV protection

• Improved camouflage

• Enhanced swimming speed

How might dark pigments help animals in terms of heat?

• By making them invisible

• By increasing their size

• By absorbing more heat

• By reflecting sunlight

What conclusion is drawn about the reason for counter shading in animals?

• It has a single evolutionary driver

• It is solely for camouflage

• It is not beneficial at all

• It likely has multiple evolutionary drivers