Lots of people think that the reason a chameleon changes color is so it can blend in with it's surroundings. Actually, this was something that people assumed after seeing them change into colors similar to what's around them. In fact, how they change color wasn't even known until recently, so, I suppose that this guess about why isn't too far-fetched, or unreasonable. Or completely wrong. Camouflage has its part in why chameleons change colors, though small. Actually, it seems that the main reasons for changing colors have to do with a chameleon's mood, and needs. For example, if a chameleon is a darker shade of a color, it tends to mean it is angry. Lighter shades tend to be used to attract mates. In other cases, color change can be used to control the level of heat a chameleon absorbs. Darker colors absorb heat, so if a chameleon is cold, it might change into a darker color. Or on the other extreme, they might change into a lighter color if they are too hot.
Verdict: Whatever the reason, I think we can all agree that chameleons are awesome!
BTW, if how chameleons change color interests you, click on the link below to see the science behind it!
Live Science: "Chameleons' Color-Changing Secret Revealed"
Very interesting!
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