Counter shaded animal patterns: from photons to form

We have explored mathematical models of how the light field interacts with animal-like objects, to make predictions about what pattern of shading on an animal pelt, or skin, would deliver optimal camouflage. Our models have allowed us to quantify, for the first time, what is meant by 'optimal'. we have a model where we can predict optimal camouflage for any time of day, time of year and latitude. Modelling is progressing to explore whether counter-shading can be explained by arguments such as heat loss/gain.