What term describes the color, markings, or shape that help an animal blend with its surroundings?

The term that describes the color, markings, or shape that help an animal blend with its surroundings is camouflage. This adaptation allows animals to avoid detection by predators or to sneak up on their prey by making them less visible in their environment. For example, a chameleon changes its color to match its surroundings, which provides it protection from predators.

Mimicry, on the other hand, refers to an organism's ability to resemble another organism or object that is unpalatable or dangerous, thereby gaining a survival advantage. Adaptation is a broader term that encompasses any trait that enhances survival and reproduction, including both camouflage and mimicry. Disguise typically refers to a temporary or deliberate alteration of appearance, rather than a natural adaptation that has evolved over time. Thus, camouflage specifically highlights how animals use their natural appearance to blend in, making it the most accurate term for the description in the question.