Behind this feature, which is one of the most surprising and interesting adaptive mechanisms we can encounter in nature, there is more than what we see. physical qualities lies.

Hide from hunters, impress their prey This ability, which is used to adapt to environmental conditions, is a bit complex and can vary from animal to animal.

These animals have special cells in their skin that contain different color pigments.

Crab Spider

This “chromatophore” called cells. Pigments in chromatophores, due to reflection of light It causes color change. The skin of an animal; stress, lighting conditions, ambient temperature It can expand and contract these pigment cells in response to factors such as.

Color change is not limited to chromatophores. in deep layers “iridophores” and “leucophores” Other cells, called cells, reflect light, creating different color effects. Iridophores are especially effective in the formation of metallic and bright colors.

Green Tree Frog

Color change is also controlled by hormonal and neural signals. These signals are what the animal feels. emotional state or varies depending on external environmental influences.

Color Changing Master: Chameleon

chameleons, They are perhaps the most famous of the animals that change color, and they have a truly amazing ability to do so. This special ability of theirs has always been a point of interest for nature observers and scientists. So how do these colorful creatures adapt so skillfully to their environment?

Chameleons change their colors in response to changes in the environment and emotional states. For example, when he encounters another male chameleon or when threatened by a predator Colors can change suddenly. In fact, it is a strategy for both defense and communications purposes.

They also have more than chromatophores.

Under the skin of chameleons, both iridophoric and reflective guanine crystals There are special cells that contain The crystals reflect light, allowing dramatic color changes. While the structures of these crystals change depending on various emotional or environmental factors, the colors of the chameleon change dynamically.

chameleons, according to living spaces It can also optimize the colors. A chameleon that lives in a forest area is more likely to use shades of green, while species that live in lighter colored environments such as deserts will use shades of yellow and brown.

They use their color-changing abilities not only for camouflage, but also for camouflage social communication They also use it for. During breeding periods, males acquire brighter and more attractive colors to impress females. This increases his chances of attracting and impressing the female.

When it comes to color change, let’s not forget octopuses.

The skin of octopuses contains pigment cells called chromatophores, just like chameleons. However, chromatophores in octopuses surrounded by muscles and these muscles are controlled by nerve signals. When the octopus senses a threat, the brain sends out signals quickly and these signals activate the muscles. As the muscles contract, the chromatophores expand and the color of the skin changes.

Octopuses not only change color, It can also change the texture and shape. They can roughen their skin to resemble a boulder, or they can trick their enemies by imitating an eel. These skills make them the most skilled camouflage animals in the sea.

Bone

When we look at such wonders in nature, we learn a lot about evolutionary biology and how important animals are in the complex web of life. Perhaps in this way in our own lives the way we adapt We can reconsider.

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