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Asked by Mahir Ahmed. Answered by The Get to Know Team.
Chameleons are famous for their ability to change colour and it can take as little as 20 seconds!
The chameleon's transparent skin has several layers. Each layer has different colour pigment cells. The deepest layer has black pigment cells. The chameleon's brain tells the pigment cells to change size, which changes the amount of colour in the skin and, in turn, changes the skin colour. We have pigments in our skin, too, which cause our skin to darken in the sun.
Scientists are currently studying the reasons why chameleons change colour. It's a common myth that chameleons change colour to blend in with their surroundings. Actually, chameleons are already naturally camouflaged to their habitat.
Instead, chameleons change colours because of light conditions, temperature, health and mood. For instance, a chameleon might turn black if it is cold or it might turn bright red and yellow if it is angry.
Chameleons use their most dramatic and flashy colours to attract potential mates. If another chameleon is interested, he or she will respond by also becoming brightly coloured. In this way, the chameleons can "talk" to each other.
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