Inference #2: adaptation.
<P>
   Over  time,  populations (NOT individuals) accumulate favorable traits
   such as camouflage and evolve by adapting to their environment.
<P>
   These species of insects called mantids have diverse shapes and colors
   that are adapted to different environments.
<P>
   Different  species  adapt  to  unique ecological niches (environmental
   resources).
<P>
   SeaHorses:  <A ClAsS=MID Href="../../../med/Vid/Campbell7e/SeaHorses-V.swf" oNClick="popurlt('../../../../med/Vid/Campbell7e/SeaHorses-V.swf');txtcolor('adaptation1','gray');return false;" Id=adaptation1><iMg sRc="/images/shockwave.gif" aLt='' boRDer=0></A>