Animal coloration refers to the various colors and patterns found on the skin, fur, feathers, or scales of animals. This coloration can serve multiple purposes, including camouflage, warning signals, and attracting mates. For example, the bright colors of poison dart frogs warn predators of their toxicity, while the muted tones of deer help them blend into their surroundings. The mechanisms behind animal coloration include pigments, structural colors, and patterns. Pigments are chemical compounds that absorb certain wavelengths of light, while structural colors arise from microscopic structures that reflect light in specific ways. These adaptations play a crucial role in the survival and reproduction of many species.