Cryptically -coloured, (camouflaged ) is a technique which prey can

Options

A. feed abundantly
B. lessen the impact of predator
C. increase their number
D. increase their reproductive fitness

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Cryptic Coloration**:
- Cryptic coloration, also known as camouflage, is a survival technique used by prey animals to blend into their surroundings. This adaptation helps them avoid detection by predators.

2. **Example of Camouflage**:
- For instance, in a green forest environment, a grasshopper may have a green coloration. This allows it to blend in with the green plants around it, making it less visible to predators.

3. **Purpose of Camouflage**:
- The primary purpose of this camouflage is protection. By blending into their environment, prey animals can avoid being seen and attacked by predators.

4. **Predator-Prey Dynamics**:
- Predators are animals that hunt and feed on other animals (prey). The use of camouflage helps prey animals to evade these predators, thereby increasing their chances of survival.

5. **Benefits of Camouflage**:
- Camouflage not only helps in avoiding predation but also allows prey animals to feed abundantly without the constant threat of being hunted. This can lead to increased reproductive fitness, as animals that survive longer can reproduce more effectively.

6. **Conclusion**:
- In summary, cryptically colored (camouflaged) prey can use this technique primarily to protect themselves from predators, which in turn enhances their chances of survival and reproduction.