Praying Mantises: Nature's Master of Disguise

Why are praying mantises typically green or brown in color?

Praying mantises are typically green or brown in color to allow them to blend into their surroundings. If a group of praying mantises were born a different color, they would be at a disadvantage. This change, although not advantageous for the mantis, could happen naturally through _____________.

Answer:

It could happen naturally through Mutation

What is mutation? Mutation is a process whereby the DNA of an organism changes. This can happen when one base of a DNA is deleted somehow through some error in the DNA system or it could also happen if a new base is introduced (insertion) into the already existing DNA system, changing the sequence of the DNA. Mutation could also happen when the base is duplicated into two bases (duplication). These changes may result in a change in the behavior of an organism or it may change the way the organism looks.