Science Forums 2

[gusp]

Thanks for reading. Recently I saw a report on German TV comparing animals that were dark on top and bright on the bottom (insects, mammals etc.). I joined in rather late and didn't see most of the documentary.

The theory was, that most animals, including humans, automatically assume that the bright side of an object is on top and the dark side on the bottom (due to the sun light coming from above). By reversing this order, potential prey can fool or irritate predators, making it difficult to catch them. As with any of such features, they prey sooner or later adapts, but the phenomenon is so widespread, that it might still bring a big advantage.

One example I remember were gazelles, that have a bright stomach. They also showed a caterpillar that confused scientists, because it was dark in the stomach area and bright on its "back". But then they found out the caterpillar has an unusual walk and bends over backwards, basically walks upside down, so it made sence.

Anyway, do you happen to know what show this was (I'm assuming it was a British or American production) or what the name of that caterpillar is? Is there another place I should ask this question? Thanks a lot!

Also feel free to talk about the topic in general or name other examples.