Color in Nature: Secrets of Animal Survival

Animals like rainbow-colored parrots, red-nosed mandrills and brilliant blue peacocks use their vibrant colors to survive.

Golden finches, bright blue mandarin fish and orange poison dart frogs use their colors to get noticed. Arctic foxes and octopuses change their colors to blend into their habitats. Birds, mammals, frogs, fish, reptiles and insects use a full palette of color to defend themselves, hunt for food, attract mates, hide from predators and often to stand out from their rivals.

But even with the power of color on their side, many of these species, their habitats and food sources are under threat. We need to conserve the entire spectrum of the animal world to maintain a healthy and colorful planet for all life on Earth.