Special behaviour that protects animals from danger

• Besides physical characteristics, some animals also behave in special ways to protect themselves from their enemies. These include

( a ) changing the colour of fur or skin

( b ) living in groups

( c ) pretending to be dead

( d ) breaking off a body part

( e ) giving off a bad smell or black ink

( f ) running or flying away

( g ) hiding

• The Arctic fox can change the colour of its fur to match the colour of its surroundings.

( a ) In spring and summer, the Arctic fox has grey fur. Before the start of autum and winter, its fur will change to white.

( b ) By changing the colour of its fur, the Arctic fox can avoid being detected by its enemies easily.

• Chameleons can change their skin colour to match the colour of their surroundings, for example the colour of a tree trunk. This ability helps chameleons to hide from their enemies.

• Elephants, deer, buffaloes and zebras live and move from place to place in groups ( herds ). This allows them to defend themselves together when they are in danger.
• For example, when an enemy attacks a herd of elephants, the elephants will form a circle and keep their young in the center of the circle.

 

• A gecko can break off its tail when it’s enemy and gives the gecko time to escape.

• The squid and octopus can give off black ink that darkens the water around them. This can confuse their enemies and give the squid and octopus time to escape.