Why do a chameleon change colors?
[ 2006-07-03 14:11 ]
變色龍為什么會變顏色？“為了能和周圍的環境一致以便保護自己。”相信很多人都會這么回答。可惜這個說法只對了那么一點點。真實的情況又如何呢？下面這篇文章可以給你一點啟示。
 Chameleons are slow moving lizards that are well known for
having the ability to change colors. Most people think chameleons change colors
to match their environment but that's just something parents tell you because
they don't know the truth.
There are lots of reasons for chameleons to
change colors. They can't turn their color into polka-dot, bright orange or
plaid, to fit into their surroundings. Light, temperature, mood and health are
all reasons these lizards change colors. They reflect light and change their
color accordingly. A chameleon will also make itself flat and dark so it can
absorb more heat. During the mating process, when it feels threatened and when
it's protecting its territory, a chameleon will also change colors. A sick
chameleon will stay pale because they don't have the energy to change colors.
Most chameleons change between green, brown and gray - the colors of
their surroundings. Each kind of chameleon has its own color range. Chameleons
can change their color because of a very complex cell system. Beneath its
transparent skin are several cell layers which contain pigments. We also have pigments which cause our
skin to darken in the sun. By opening and closing cells called melanophores, chameleons change their skin colors.
The cells direct sunlight to specific pigments that reflect the light back in
different colors.
pigment: 色素
melanophore: 黑色素細胞
（英語點津Annabel編輯）
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