Which animal changes its colour according to its surrounding?a)hyena b)chameleonc)lizard d)all of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Chameleon changed their colour by manipulating  specialised cells called chromatophores which contains different colours of pigment

Answer

Myth: Chameleons change color to match their environment. Chameleons don't change color to match their environment. Rather, they change color as a response to mood, temperature, health, communication, and light

Answer

Chameleon

Chameleons are fascinating reptiles that are well-known for their ability to change colors. This unique characteristic allows them to blend in with their surroundings and helps them to camouflage and hide from predators or sneak up on prey. Let's take a closer look at how chameleons change their colors.

How do chameleons change their colors?
Chameleons have specialized cells in their skin called chromatophores, which contain pigments. These pigments are responsible for the different colors displayed by the chameleon. The chromatophores can expand or contract, allowing the pigments to be exposed or hidden, resulting in a change of color. The three main pigments found in chameleons are melanin (brown and black), carotenoids (yellow and orange), and xanthophores (red and blue).

Why do chameleons change their colors?
Chameleons change their colors for various reasons, including:

1. Camouflage: Chameleons are masters of camouflage. They can change their skin color to match their environment, making it difficult for predators or prey to spot them. For example, if a chameleon is on a green leaf, it may change its color to green to blend in seamlessly.

2. Communication: Chameleons also use color change as a way to communicate with other chameleons. Males, in particular, change colors to attract females or to establish dominance over other males. They can display vibrant patterns and combinations of colors during courtship or territorial disputes.

3. Temperature regulation: Color change in chameleons can also be influenced by temperature. When they are cold, they may darken their color to absorb more heat from the sun. Conversely, when they are too hot, they may lighten their color to reflect sunlight and keep their body temperature down.

How do chameleons control their color change?
The color change in chameleons is not entirely under their conscious control. It is primarily controlled by the nervous system and hormones. The chameleon's brain receives signals from its environment, such as the color and brightness of the surroundings, and conveys these signals to the chromatophores in the skin, causing them to expand or contract.

In conclusion, chameleons are remarkable creatures that can change their colors to blend in with their surroundings, communicate, and regulate their body temperature. This unique ability is due to specialized cells in their skin called chromatophores, which contain pigments. By expanding or contracting these chromatophores, chameleons can display a wide range of colors and patterns.

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