amazing colours of a chameleon!!

Chameleons have an incredible ability to change their colour. They change their colour to blend in the environment and hide from predators. This is called camouflage. Chameleon also change colour to hide from prey, show their expressions and to attract their mate.

 A chameleon does this with the help of a special group of cells called the chromatophores. Skin colour of chameleon is transparent and under it has several skin layers containing chromatophores. These cells have a stack of pigments that expand and contract when they are stimulated. Example; when the red cells completely expand they block out other colours from underneath layers, hence making it look red.

                                    

Chameleons are masters in changing colours; they can make a large number of patterns in a wide range of colours. Chameleons are usually found in green, yellow or brown colours to match the colour of their environment. They also change colour according to the temperature, light and its state of emotion.