Question

chung says that counter - illumination and countershading are essentially the same type of adaptation for different ocean zones, since both features make it harder to spot the animal from above and below. what is the main problem with this comparison?
a. counter - illumination makes the animal easier to spot from below
b. counter - illumination makes the animal easier to spot from above
c. counter - illumination is for camouflage and countershading is for hunting
d. counter - illumination uses coloring and countershading uses bioluminescence

Explanation:

Counter - illumination is a bioluminescent adaptation. When an animal uses counter - illumination, it emits light from its underside. From below (where a predator might be looking up), if the light is not properly matched (e.g., if the light is too bright or mis - calibrated), it can make the animal more visible. Counters shading is a coloration - based adaptation (darker on top, lighter on bottom). The key problem with Chung's comparison is that counter - illumination (if not perfect) can actually make the animal more visible from below, while countershading is a static coloration that generally helps with camouflage from both above and below in a different way (by matching the light gradient in the water column). Options B is incorrect as counter - illumination is more about the view from below. Option C is wrong as both can be for camouflage. Option D has the methods reversed (counter - illumination uses bioluminescence and countershading uses coloring).

Answer:

A. Counter - illumination makes the animal easier to spot from below