How CHAMELEONS Change Colours❓

Chameleons are renowned for their incredible color-changing capabilities. Here’s how they achieve this mesmerizing feat:
Pigment Dispersal and Concentration:
Chameleons change color by adjusting the arrangement of specific skin cells called iridophores. When pigment granules (melanophore cells) within these iridophores disperse or concentrate, the animal appears lighter-colored or darker.
Structural Changes in Iridophores:
Chameleons also employ a dual mechanism involving structural changes in specialized skin cells. These cells, known as iridophores, contain tiny sacs filled with pigments. Within iridophores, there are nanocrystals that reflect light of different wavelengths based on their physical orientation.
Selective Mirror Effect:
The nanocrystals beneath a chameleon’s skin act as a selective mirror. By tightening or relaxing their skin, chameleons adjust the wavelengths of light reflected by these tiny crystals. When the distance between the layers of iridophore cells changes, specific wavelengths are either reflected or allowed to pass through. For instance, small distances reflect blue light, while larger distances reflect red light.
Unique Combination:
Chameleons possess a combination of color-changing crystals and a deeper skin layer that reflects near-infrared light. This unique adaptation likely helps them regulate body temperature and stay cool in the sun.
Communication and Mood:
Contrary to popular belief, chameleons’ radical color changes are not primarily for camouflage. Instead, they change outfits to communicate with other lizards and respond to temperature or mood. Some chameleons can exhibit exotic blues, yellows, greens, and reds, while others remain within a more limited color range3.
So, the next time you encounter a chameleon, marvel at its intricate color-changing abilities! 🦎🌈🔍
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:40 Science Behind Color Change Phenomena
01:09 Types of Chromatophores Explained
01:53 How Chromatophores Work Together to Produce Color
02:35 Why Chameleons Change Colors ?
03:47 Conclusion