变色龙为什么会变颜色？“为了能和周围的环境一致以便保护自己。”相信很多人都会这么回答。可惜这个说法只对了那么一点点。真实的情况又如何呢？下面这篇文章可以给你一点启示。

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: 黑色素细胞

（英语点津Annabel编辑）