noun
protective coloration; camouflage
Biological term for coloration that helps an organism blend into its surroundings. Also used figuratively for behavior that avoids standing out.
See also: 隠蔽色
カメレオンは保護色で敵から身を守る。
Chameleons protect themselves from predators with their protective coloration.
彼の地味な服装は、職場での保護色
His plain clothes are like a kind of camouflage at the workplace.
擬態 refers to mimicry (resembling another species or object), while 保護色 is specifically about coloration that blends with the environment.
Compound of 保護 (ほご, 'protection') and 色 (しょく, 'color'). A straightforward modern coinage for the biological concept of protective coloration.