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Young World
Colour to communicate
Photo: K.R. Deepak
Changing colours: Visual communication.
Chameleons evolved their famous skin-altering abilities not for camouflage but to communicate quickly with others, a new study suggests. Scientists have known that the reptiles use colour-changing for a variety of purposes: to blend in to the environment, to regulate their body heat, and to send messages to other chameleons. Instead of vocalising or using pheromones, chameleons communicate visually by changing the colours and patterns of their skin. Different colours and p
atterns mean different things — similar to how the colours of a traffic light directs drivers. For example, the brighter colours a male displays, the more dominant he is. So male chameleons can attract a mate or defend their territory by flashing bright colours to each other. To communicate submission or surrender, a male will display drab browns and greys. Females also use a colourful version of signalling to communicate when they want to reject mates or are pregnant.
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