This changes the color of the cell. By varying the activity of the different chromatophores in all the layers of the skin, the chameleon can produce a whole variety of colors and patterns. For instance, an excited chameleon might turn red by fully expanding all his erythrophores, blocking out the other colors beneath them. A calm chameleon, on the other hand, might turn green by contracting his erythrophores and allowing some of the blue-reflected light from his iridophores to mix with his layer of somewhat contracted yellow xanthophores.
With these layers of cells, some chameleons are capable of producing a dazzling array of reds, pinks, yellows, blues, greens, and browns. These bold statements won't help them blend into the background, but they will allow them to get their message across to other chameleons loud and clear.
So, if the color changes are due to special cells under the skin, why are the effects external? The outermost layer of the chameleon's skin is actually transparent. Beneath that outer layer lies several more layers containing a variety of specialized skills, including the blue and white light-reflecting iridophores. What's really wild is if the chameleon needs a dramatic quick-change like when it's trying to show off for a potential mate , it can quickly shed its outer layers of skin to expose the iridophores to direct sunlight in a hurry.
Learn more about chameleons in " Chameleon, Chameleon " by Joy Cowley. HowStuffWorks picks related titles based on books we think you'll like. Should you choose to buy one, we'll receive a portion of the sale. There's not a ton of research to support it yet, but some scientists believe chameleons' color-changing abilities also allow them to regulate their body temperature.
A study demonstrated that bearded dragons alter their hue based on their temps, and since chameleons are ectotherms and can't retain body heat hence their stereotypical sunbathing , it's possible that maintaining a dark color allows them to absorb more light and heat. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Join us in Wonderopolis tomorrow. We're headed to India! Keep the learning going by checking out one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member: People can't change the color of their skin to match their moods like chameleons can, but we sometimes use fashion to reflect our moods.
Do you ever dress up in a particular color to match a certain mood? What color outfit would you wear when you're happy, sad, excited, or nervous? What made you choose certain colors to fit particular moods? Why do you associate those colors with those moods? Have you ever seen a live chameleon?
There are many different types of chameleons. For a look at a few of the different types of chameleons around the world, check out National Geographic's Photo Gallery: Chameleons. Which chameleons fascinate you the most? Which one is the prettiest? Would you want a chameleon as a pet? Why or why not? Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words mood change color blend lizard tongue disguise social signal chameleon turquoise camouflage chromatophore manipulating specialized desk chair parrot Take the Wonder Word Challenge.
Join the Discussion. Siddharth Vemuri Oct 2, Oct 3, Hi Siddharth! You can use the date accessed--we don't list the publication date.
Mar 28, Reagan Chameleon Sep 4, Oct 8, We think that it's really cool, too! Chameleons have many fascinating traits! Solon Feb 13, I wish i could have a chameleon because i want to watch them change colors.
Feb 14, That would be cool to watch! Do you have any pets, Solon? Do chameleons have any other defence mechanisims? Feb 11, Maitland Jan 30, Feb 2, Maitland Feb 4, But wish you provided this a little sooner! Feb 7, Jan Jun 28, I try to find out how a chameleon detects what colors to change to. In some youtube clips one can see only a part of their body changing to the background color. How do they detect this color?? Jun 30, Brixley Mar 13, Mar 14, Didn't know dogs would want to eat a chameleon!
I love them they are so cute I loved the video :. Mar 9, Glad you found them so adorbs! Brixley Mar 8, What happened to it, Brixley? We are a little afraid to ask Chloe Mar 8, Chameleons are you cute! I want one, but my mom doesn't want another pet. I want a lot more pets! Samuel Dyer Sep 13, Sep 14, Hi there, Samuel!
We hope this Wonder helped explain why chameleons change their colors! Sam Sep 7, Thanks for that, it was a very imformative text. Ryder Sep 6, Sep 6, You're welcome, Ryder! We are looking forward to hearing from you again! Momo Aug 12, I searched this up because for my science homework one question was ' By changing colour, animals like - can blend in with their surroundings and be almost invisible. Aug 12, I have a chameleon and I saw that all lot of these things actally happend all lot to my chameleon.
May 20, May 11, Hi, abby! Thanks for sharing the additional information! Josh May 10, Kaitlyn Apr 26, Apr 28, Hi, Kaitlyn! We're glad you liked this Wonder, too! Jan 7, Hi, chloey! Jacob Nov 6, Thanks wonderopolis I'll do a post right after this! Nov 7, Please let me know why chameleon change its colors? Except the cold and warm..
Stuart-Fox believes that changing color may serve yet another, albeit poorly-researched, function: Helping chameleons regulate their body temperature. Instead, they have to warm up using the sun. Darker colors absorb more light, and chameleons have likely evolved to capitalize on this principle, she says.
In some cases, the talent satisfies multiple needs at once. In , Stuart-Fox came across Smith's dwarf chameleon basking on a dark-colored flower stalk while doing field work in South Africa.
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