INDEX

Insect

Choice of colour

When is the decision made?

It is not clear when the decision to select a particular colour for the perfect chrysalis camouflage is made.

Design your own experiment to find out when the caterpillar selects the colour of the chrysalis.

Does it decide on the colour:

- before it attaches itself to the tree?
- after it attaches itself to the tree (as shown in the picture on the right above)?
- after it sheds its skin for the final time to turn into the chrysalis?

Discuss with your teacher :

- good experimental technique.
- appropriate ways to show or present your results.
- appropriate controls and variables to use.

You may find the Masters of Deception video a valuable resource.

When is the decision to select a colour made.

When did the insect make the decision to camouflage itself in this particular colour?

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