Braude and colleagues (2001) studied the behavior of naked mole-rats both in captivity and in the field and found that most-but not all-naked mole rats are countershaded, with only queens, the small number of breeding males, newborns, and very old animals being completely pink. Taken together, their data were most consistent with the idea that the countershading is related to
A) camouflage. B) protection from skin abrasions. C) protection from ultraviolet light. D) thermoregulation.