How does a chameleon change color and what does it depend on?

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:53

Chameleon is an inhabitant of sultry Africa, who gained fame thanks to the unique ability to change skin color. This small lizard, only 30 cm long, can transform itself, becoming black, pink, green, blue, red, yellow. Many scientists have conducted various studies to find out how the chameleon changes color, and what it is connected with. It was assumed that in this way he disguises himself under the background surrounding him. But this turned out to be an incorrect assumption.

This lizard is unique in itself. She looks like a dragon, often changes skin color, sits for hours on the branches of trees, waiting for the victim, which she captures with her long tongue. Her eyes live a separate life, turning in different directions. The chameleon changes color thanks to special cells - chromatophores. His skin is transparent, which is why the cells containing pigment of different colors are so clearly visible.

For a long time, researchers have notcould understand how a chameleon changes color and why it happens. It was assumed that he needed this for disguise. After all, having painted, for example, in green, the lizard can disguise itself in the foliage, hiding from predators and waiting for its victims. Indeed, in the course of evolution, many chameleons have learned to acquire the color and pattern of their enemy - for example, birds or snakes.

Modern research has shown that the process of how a chameleon changes color depends entirely on its condition. Skin color varies from mood changes - reactions such as fear or joy. It may even depend on the air temperature. In Africa, many chameleons turn black in the morning to attract the sun's rays, but in the afternoon they brighten up so that it is not so hot. They use colorful colors in mating games, in order to attract a representative of the opposite side.

Chromatophores in chameleons are located in the deep layers of the skin and are directly dependent on the nervous system. In the upper layer are cells containing red and yellow pigments. Next is the crystalline substance guanine, which reproduces the blue color very accurately. Beneath it are melanophores responsible for black and yellow pigments and containing melanin. The way the pigment granules are arranged in the cell completely affects the color. The chameleon is a very interesting animal. After all, the pigments in its cells move very quickly, changing color. If they are concentrated in the center of the cell, then it will remain transparent, and if they are evenly distributed over it, then they will be colored in intense color.color.

Nerve endings connect chromatophores to the brain, from where commands to change come. The way a chameleon changes color can be compared to a palette in which colors, mixed up, create completely new shades. Due to its ability to change skin color, this lizard has gained immense popularity. Today, fabrics, varnishes and other things that shimmer in different shades or change them are called chameleons.

Although the lizard seems to want to disguise itself by changing color, it is not. She doesn't care about the background at all. Skin color is influenced by mood, emotions experienced, air temperature, but not by the environment. Therefore, the opinion that when the chameleon is on the chessboard, then black and white cells will appear on it, is fundamentally wrong.