You’ve probably seen how some animals can blend perfectly into their surroundings by changing color. Whether in wildlife documentaries or real-life encounters, this incredible ability never fails to amaze us. Chameleons, octopuses, cuttlefish, certain fish, and frog species can alter their colors almost instantly, either to camouflage themselves from predators or to send signals to others. But what’s really happening behind the scenes? The answer lies in a fascinating interplay between hormones and the nervous system.
When these animals perceive changes in their environment—such as light, temperature, or the presence of a threat—signals travel through their nervous system to the brain. The brain then triggers hormonal responses, which control pigment cells in the skin and ultimately determine the color change. In other words, a chameleon shifting from green to brown or an octopus suddenly blending into a coral reef isn’t just a simple skin reaction—it’s the result of a perfectly coordinated biological system.
But how exactly does this process work? Which hormones play a role in color change? Is this ability purely for camouflage, or does it serve other purposes as well? And perhaps the most intriguing question: Do humans have a similar mechanism? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the role of hormones in color change, exploring the science behind this phenomenon and uncovering some truly fascinating details along the way.
How Does Color Change Occur?
The ability of some animals to change color is one of the most fascinating phenomena in nature. Creatures like chameleons, octopuses, cuttlefish, certain fish, frogs, and reptiles can alter their color based on their needs. But this process is far more complex than most people realize!
So, what exactly enables an animal to instantly change its skin color? Behind the scenes, this ability is driven by specialized skin cells, hormones, the nervous system, and light-reflecting mechanisms. To truly understand it, let’s break it down step by step!
1. Cells Responsible for Color Change
At the core of color change are chromatophores, special skin cells containing pigments. These cells lie in different layers beneath the skin, and their function varies among species.
Types of Chromatophores and Their Functions
| Cell Type | Pigments Contained | Color and Function |
|---|---|---|
| Melanophores | Melanin | Produces dark brown/black colors. |
| Xanthophores | Carotenoids | Produces yellow colors. |
| Erythrophores | Pteridines | Produces red and orange hues. |
| Cyanophores | Special proteins | Produces blue tones. |
| Iridophores/Leucophores | Guanine crystals | Reflects light to create iridescent or metallic colors. |
| Leucophores | White pigments | Produces white and lighter colors. |
Some animals change color by expanding or contracting pigment-containing chromatophores, while others use light-reflecting iridophores to create shimmering effects.
For example, octopuses and cuttlefish can completely shift their colors within seconds by adjusting these cells!
The Mechanism Behind Color Change
These pigment cells are controlled by hormones and the nervous system. Signals from the nervous system trigger pigment cells to expand, spreading the color, or contract, hiding the color.
For example:
🔹 When melanophores expand, the skin appears darker.
🔹 When melanophores contract, the skin becomes lighter.
Chameleons use these pigment cells like a natural palette, blending colors to create different patterns.
2. The Role of Hormones in Color Change
In most cases, color change is regulated by hormones. Factors such as stress, temperature, light exposure, and emotional states influence the release of these hormones.
Key Hormones Involved in Color Change:
| Hormone | Function | Example Animals |
|---|---|---|
| Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) | Increases melanin production, darkening the skin. | Frogs, reptiles, fish |
| Adrenaline | Triggers rapid color changes in response to threats by contracting pigment cells. | Cuttlefish, fish, chameleons |
| Thyroxine (T4) | Regulates seasonal color changes. | Arctic foxes, hares, some reptiles |
For instance, frogs and certain fish adjust their skin tone based on light exposure by secreting MSH, darkening their skin when needed. Similarly, cuttlefish can rapidly change color when threatened, thanks to adrenaline-driven responses.
The Impact of Stress on Color Change
Sometimes, color changes are linked to emotional states. For example, chameleons turn green or blue when calm but display red and yellow hues when stressed or aggressive.
This is similar to how humans blush when embarrassed or pale when frightened!
3. Is Color Change Only for Camouflage?
Most people assume color change is purely for blending into the environment, but in reality, it serves multiple functions!
The Main Purposes of Color Change:
- Camouflage: Blending into surroundings to avoid predators. (Octopuses, cuttlefish, frogs)
- Hunting: Changing color to get closer to prey unnoticed. (Cuttlefish)
- Communication: Signaling to others during mating or social interactions. (Fish, reptiles)
- Thermoregulation: Absorbing or reflecting heat depending on the color. (Reptiles)
For example, cuttlefish use color change not just for camouflage but also to confuse predators and mesmerize their prey. Meanwhile, Arctic foxes shift from white in winter to brown in summer, ensuring year-round camouflage.
4. Can Humans Change Color?
Humans can’t consciously change skin color, but our hormones and nervous system do influence our skin tone in indirect ways.
Examples:
- Adrenaline rush → Causes blushing or paleness depending on the situation.
- Thyroxine deficiency → Leads to pale skin.
- Increased MSH levels → Results in darker pigmentation and tanning.
So, while we don’t have the ability to alter our color at will, our body does respond to hormonal and environmental changes in a similar way.
The ability to change color isn’t just about skin cells, but a complex interplay of the nervous system, hormones, and environmental factors.
🌍 In nature, this mechanism serves to:
✔ Ensure camouflage,
✔ Facilitate communication,
✔ Regulate body temperature,
✔ Help animals escape predators.
And all of this happens through a finely tuned biological system! This is yet another example of the perfection found in nature.
The Role of Hormones in Color Change
You’ve probably seen animals that can change their colors to blend perfectly into their surroundings. It’s truly fascinating, isn’t it? Many people assume that this process is controlled only by pigment cells, but the reality is much more complex! Hormones play a crucial role, working alongside the nervous system to regulate color change.
In this article, I’ll take you through the incredible role of hormones in this process. If you’ve ever wondered how and why animals change colors, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive in.
Which Hormones Control Color Change?
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream and trigger specific responses in target cells. When it comes to color change, three key hormones take the spotlight:
Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (MSH) – The Key to Darker Colors
- MSH is released by the pituitary gland and regulates pigment production.
- In frogs, lizards, and fish, higher levels of MSH cause darker skin tones, while lower levels make the skin lighter.
- For example, frogs turn darker in dim light and lighter in bright conditions to adjust to their environment.
- MSH stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to spread melanin (black/brown pigment) across the skin, darkening it.
| MSH Levels | Skin Color |
|---|---|
| High | Dark |
| Low | Light |
👉 Frogs and lizards adjust their MSH levels based on temperature and light exposure to match their surroundings.
Adrenaline – The Hormone Behind Rapid Color Change
- Adrenaline is released in response to stress, fear, or sudden excitement.
- It triggers fast color shifts in cephalopods (octopuses, squids, cuttlefish) and some reptiles.
- Adrenaline causes pigment cells to expand or contract, leading to instant color changes.
For example:
- When an octopus detects a predator, it releases adrenaline, expanding chromatophores (color cells) to blend with rocks or corals instantly.
- In panic mode, the skin darkens or creates bold patterns to scare predators away.
| Situation | Adrenaline Release | Color Change |
|---|---|---|
| Threat/Fear | High | Skin darkens or forms patterns |
| Relaxed State | Low | Skin returns to normal |
👉 Octopuses use this mechanism for both camouflage and communication, changing their skin pattern within milliseconds!
Thyroxine (T4) – The Hormone Behind Seasonal Color Changes
- Thyroxine (T4) is a thyroid hormone that regulates growth, metabolism, and seasonal coat color changes in animals.
- Some species, like Arctic foxes, snowshoe hares, and certain reptiles, change their fur or skin color based on seasonal shifts.
For instance:
- Arctic foxes are pure white in winter but brown or gray in summer to match the environment.
- This transformation is driven by changes in T4 levels.
| Season | Thyroxine Levels | Fur/Skin Color |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Snow-covered environment) | Low | White |
| Summer (Forest/Soil environment) | High | Brown/Gray |
👉 The Arctic fox stays hidden in snow during winter and blends into rocks and vegetation in summer.
How Hormones Control the Color Change Process
How do these hormones actually trigger color change? Let’s break it down step by step:
1️⃣ External signals (light, temperature, stress, emotions) are detected.
2️⃣ The brain sends signals to the pituitary or adrenal glands.
3️⃣ MSH, adrenaline, or thyroxine is released.
4️⃣ Hormones activate pigment cells (melanocytes, chromatophores, iridophores).
5️⃣ Pigment cells expand or contract, altering skin or fur color.
For example:
🔹 A nocturnal frog in a dark environment produces more MSH, turning its skin darker.
🔹 An octopus under threat releases adrenaline, shifting its color and patterns instantly.
🔹 An Arctic fox entering winter lowers T4 levels, developing a white coat for camouflage.
What If Hormones Stopped Working?
Imagine a chameleon with a hormonal imbalance… What would happen?
1️⃣ If MSH is missing:
🔹 The skin remains pale and cannot adjust to the background.
2️⃣ If adrenaline is not released:
🔹 An octopus would fail to change colors quickly when threatened, making it an easy target.
3️⃣ If T4 production is disrupted:
🔹 An Arctic fox would stay brown all year and lose its natural camouflage in the snow.
Clearly, hormones are essential for these color adaptations to work properly!
As you can see, color change is not a simple pigment reaction but a highly coordinated hormonal process.
✅ MSH regulates skin tone adjustments.
✅ Adrenaline triggers rapid color shifts for camouflage and defense.
✅ Thyroxine controls long-term seasonal color changes.
And all of this happens with perfect precision, allowing animals to survive and communicate effectively in their environments.
Is Color Change Only for Camouflage?
When we think about color change in animals, camouflage is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It’s true that blending into the environment helps many species avoid predators, but color change serves multiple other purposes as well. In fact, animals use this ability for communication, temperature regulation, mating, and even intimidation.
1. Communication: Sending Messages Through Color
Many animals change color to communicate with others of their kind. This could be to warn rivals, attract mates, express emotions, or signal social status.
1. Mood and Emotion Display
- Just like humans express emotions through facial expressions, some animals use color to show how they feel.
- Cuttlefish and squids change their skin patterns when they are excited, scared, or aggressive.
- Chameleons are famous for changing colors based on mood. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t always match their surroundings—sometimes, their colors reflect emotions instead!
| Emotion | Chameleon’s Color Change |
|---|---|
| Relaxed | Green or brown |
| Excited / Dominant | Bright yellow, red, or orange |
| Threatened / Scared | Dark brown or black |
👉 Example: When two male chameleons compete for territory, the dominant one turns brighter to show strength, while the weaker one darkens and retreats.
2. Warning Signals (Aposematism)
Some animals use bold, bright colors as a warning to potential predators. This strategy, called aposematism, is common in poisonous or venomous species.
- Poison dart frogs have vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors to warn predators that they are toxic.
- Sea slugs (nudibranchs) display intense colors to indicate they contain poisonous chemicals.
- Some harmless species, like certain moths and snakes, mimic the warning colors of toxic animals to scare off predators (a phenomenon called Batesian mimicry).
| Animal | Color Change / Bright Colors | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Dart Frog | Permanent bright colors | Warns predators of toxicity |
| Nudibranch (Sea Slug) | Intense red, yellow, blue | Signals chemical defenses |
| Milk Snake (Mimicry) | Resembles venomous coral snake | Fools predators into thinking it’s dangerous |
👉 Example: A predator that once ate a poisonous frog and got sick will avoid any bright-colored frogs in the future.
2. Mating and Reproductive Signals
For many species, color change plays a crucial role in courtship and reproduction. Males often develop brighter colors during breeding season to attract females.
1. Color Changes in Birds and Reptiles During Mating
- Male anoles (a type of lizard) turn brighter green or blue to attract females.
- Flamingos become more vibrant due to carotenoid pigments from their diet, making them more attractive to mates.
- Some fish species, like the male Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish), change color when courting a female.
| Species | Color Change During Mating |
|---|---|
| Peacock | Iridescent blue-green feathers |
| Anole Lizard | Bright green/blue skin |
| Flamingo | Pink intensifies due to diet |
| Betta Fish | Deepens in color when courting |
👉 Example: A male peacock displays its shimmering tail feathers to impress a female. The more vibrant the colors, the healthier the male appears.
2. Temporary Color Shifts in Aquatic Animals
- Male cuttlefish flash zebra-like color patterns during mating to intimidate rivals and attract females.
- Some octopuses turn deep red or white to signal readiness to mate.
👉 Example: A cuttlefish courting a female may display one color on one side of its body for her and a different color on the other side to scare away competing males!
3. Temperature Regulation: Using Color to Control Body Heat
Some animals adjust their coloration to regulate body temperature, helping them survive in extreme environments.
1. Dark Colors Absorb Heat, Light Colors Reflect It
- In cold conditions, some reptiles and insects darken their skin to absorb more heat from the sun.
- In hot environments, they turn lighter to reflect sunlight and stay cool.
| Temperature | Color Change | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | Darker skin | Absorbs heat |
| Hot | Lighter skin | Reflects heat |
👉 Example: The Namib Desert lizard turns dark in the morning to warm up, then becomes pale during the day to avoid overheating.
2. Seasonal Color Adjustments
- Some Arctic animals, like the Arctic hare and ptarmigan, change fur/feather color seasonally to balance warmth and camouflage.
- White fur in winter provides insulation, while brown fur in summer prevents overheating.
👉 Example: A snowshoe hare in winter has thick white fur that retains heat, but in summer, it turns brown to blend with the forest and avoid absorbing too much heat.
4. Intimidation: Using Color to Scare Off Threats
Sometimes, animals change color to appear larger, more dangerous, or more intimidating to scare away predators.
1. Color Flashes as a Defense Mechanism
- Cuttlefish and octopuses can create bold black and white stripes when feeling threatened.
- Certain snakes, like the hognose snake, darken and flatten their heads to look more venomous.
- Frilled lizards turn reddish and expand their neck frills to scare attackers.
👉 Example: A cuttlefish under attack will suddenly flash high-contrast patterns across its body, confusing the predator and allowing it to escape.
As you can see, color change serves many purposes beyond hiding from predators.
✅ Communication: Some animals use color to express emotions, warn rivals, or signal danger.
✅ Mating Displays: Many species change color to attract mates and establish dominance.
✅ Temperature Control: Some animals darken or lighten their skin to regulate body temperature.
✅ Intimidation: Certain species flash bold colors to frighten enemies and deter predators.
This incredible ability is a powerful survival tool, helping animals adapt, communicate, and thrive in their environments.
Color Change in Communication and Social Behavior
Color change is not just for camouflage or temperature regulation—it also plays a crucial role in communication and social interactions. Many animals use color shifts to express emotions, signal intentions, or establish social status. This ability is especially important in species that rely on social structures, mating rituals, warning signals, and dominance displays.
1. Expressing Emotions and Mood
Some animals change color to visually display their emotions, much like humans use facial expressions and body language. This can indicate excitement, aggression, fear, stress, or relaxation.
1.1. Chameleons and Emotional Signals
Chameleons are often misunderstood when it comes to color change. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t always change color to blend into their surroundings. Instead, their color reflects their mood and physiological state.
| Emotion / State | Chameleon’s Color Change |
|---|---|
| Relaxed | Green or brown |
| Excited or Dominant | Bright yellow, red, or orange |
| Threatened or Scared | Dark brown or black |
👉 Example: When two male chameleons face off in a territorial dispute, the dominant one turns bright and vibrant, while the weaker one darkens and retreats to signal submission.
1.2. Cephalopods (Octopuses, Squids, and Cuttlefish) and Rapid Mood Changes
Cephalopods are the true masters of instant color change. Their skin contains chromatophores—special pigment cells that allow them to switch colors in milliseconds.
- An octopus in distress might turn red or white to indicate fear.
- A calm cuttlefish may have a neutral brown or sandy coloration.
- Squids flash patterns when they are hunting or communicating with each other.
👉 Example: A startled octopus can instantly turn white as a sign of shock or flash black and red when angry.
2. Color Change in Social Hierarchies and Dominance
In many animal species, color plays a role in establishing social rank. Dominant individuals often display brighter or more intense colors, signaling their higher status within a group.
2.1. Dominance Displays in Fish
Many fish use color intensity to indicate social standing.
- Male Siamese fighting fish (Betta fish) become more colorful when asserting dominance or preparing to fight.
- Dominant cichlid fish in social groups develop brighter colors, while submissive ones become duller.
| Social Rank | Color Appearance |
|---|---|
| Dominant Male | Bright, vibrant colors |
| Submissive Male | Faded or dull colors |
👉 Example: In African cichlids, when a dominant male is removed, the next in line starts changing color and takes over as the new leader.
2.2. Color Signals in Lizards and Amphibians
- Male anole lizards turn brighter green or blue when asserting dominance.
- Frogs like the poison dart frog use permanent bright colors to warn rivals and predators.
👉 Example: When two male anoles fight, the winner stays bright, while the loser fades into a dull color, signaling defeat.
3. Mating and Courtship Signals
Color change plays a major role in attracting mates and signaling reproductive readiness. In many species, males develop brighter colors during mating season to appeal to females.
3.1. Color-Based Courtship Displays
- Peacocks display their vibrant iridescent tail feathers to attract females.
- Male mandrills have bright red and blue facial colors, which indicate health and strength.
- Flamingos become more colorful due to carotenoid pigments in their diet, making them more attractive to potential mates.
| Species | Color Change for Mating |
|---|---|
| Peacock | Iridescent blue-green feathers |
| Mandrill | Bright red and blue face |
| Flamingo | Deeper pink coloration |
| Anole Lizard | Bright green/blue display |
👉 Example: A male Betta fish will darken and intensify its colors when trying to impress a female.
3.2. Color-Based Rivalry and Competition
- During mating season, male cuttlefish use color patterns to attract females while intimidating rivals.
- Some butterflies develop bright wing patterns to compete for attention.
👉 Example: A cuttlefish courting a female may display one color on one side for her and a different color on the other to scare off competing males!
4. Warning and Threat Displays
Color change is also used to warn potential predators, defend territory, or intimidate rivals.
4.1. Aposematism: Using Colors as a Warning
Some animals keep permanent bright colors to warn predators that they are toxic, but others flash warning colors only when threatened.
- Poison dart frogs have constant bright colors to warn predators.
- Certain lizards and snakes darken or brighten when feeling threatened.
- Cuttlefish and octopuses create bold black and white patterns to startle predators.
👉 Example: A cuttlefish under attack will suddenly flash high-contrast patterns, confusing the predator and allowing escape.
4.2. Fake Danger Signals (Mimicry)
Some harmless species imitate the warning colors of toxic animals to scare off predators—a survival strategy called Batesian mimicry.
| Species | Warning Color Function |
|---|---|
| Poison Dart Frog | Permanent bright colors warn predators |
| Coral Snake | Red, yellow, and black warn of venom |
| Milk Snake (Mimicry) | Mimics coral snake’s colors to appear dangerous |
👉 Example: A harmless milk snake mimics the color pattern of a venomous coral snake, tricking predators into avoiding it.
Color change is much more than just a camouflage trick—it’s an essential form of communication in the animal kingdom.
✅ Expressing Emotions: Some animals use color to show excitement, fear, aggression, or submission.
✅ Dominance & Social Status: Brighter colors often indicate higher rank and authority in a group.
✅ Mating Displays: Many species use color shifts to attract mates or compete for partners.
✅ Warning & Threats: Some animals use sudden color flashes to intimidate or scare away enemies.
Do Humans Experience Color Change?
When we think of color-changing creatures, animals like chameleons, octopuses, and certain fish come to mind. But what about humans? While we don’t shift colors as dramatically as these animals, our bodies do undergo subtle and sometimes noticeable color changes due to various biological, emotional, and environmental factors. Let’s take a closer look at how and why this happens!
1. Skin Tone Variations and Blood Flow
One of the most common ways humans experience color changes is through variations in skin tone, which are influenced by blood flow, oxygen levels, and hormonal activity.
- When we feel embarrassed or flustered, our faces might turn red due to increased blood circulation—this is called blushing.
- When we’re extremely cold, our skin may turn pale or even bluish as blood flow prioritizes internal organs.
- People with high blood pressure might have a more reddish complexion, while those with low blood pressure can appear pale or even slightly grayish.
👉 Example: Think about how your face flushes after exercise or how your lips look bluish in cold weather. These color changes are temporary and caused by circulatory adjustments in the body.
2. Emotional and Psychological Influences on Skin Color
Our emotions can have a surprising effect on skin color and appearance. The nervous system plays a role in triggering physical responses that subtly change the way we look.
- Blushing (Turning Red): This occurs when blood vessels near the skin’s surface widen in response to strong emotions like embarrassment, excitement, or anger.
- Paleness (Turning White): Fear, shock, or extreme stress can cause blood to withdraw from the skin, making a person appear unusually pale.
- Flushed Skin (Anger or Excitement): Similar to blushing, but can extend to the neck and chest.
👉 Example: Imagine giving a speech in front of a crowd—your cheeks may turn red with nervousness. On the other hand, if you hear shocking news, your face might go pale as blood flow is redirected to essential organs.
3. Hormonal Effects on Skin Pigmentation
Hormones also play a significant role in long-term changes in skin color. These effects are most noticeable during pregnancy, puberty, and certain medical conditions.
- Melasma ("Pregnancy Mask") – Pregnant women often develop dark patches on the face due to hormonal shifts increasing melanin production.
- Adrenal Disorders – Conditions like Addison’s disease can cause a person’s skin to darken over time due to increased melanin-stimulating hormones.
- Menstrual Cycle & Birth Control – Some women notice temporary darkening of the skin due to hormonal fluctuations.
👉 Example: Women who spend time in the sun during pregnancy may notice darker pigmentation in certain areas of the face due to increased melanin production.
4. Temperature-Induced Color Changes
Temperature plays a significant role in temporary color changes in human skin. The body constantly adjusts blood circulation to regulate temperature, which can lead to noticeable shifts in skin color.
- Cold Weather – Bluish or Purple Tint: When exposed to extreme cold, the body reduces blood flow to the skin, sometimes causing fingers, lips, and toes to turn blue or purple (a condition called cyanosis).
- Hot Weather – Red or Flushed Skin: During high temperatures, blood vessels expand to release heat, making the skin appear redder or flushed.
- Frostbite – Skin Turns White or Black: In severe cold conditions, prolonged lack of circulation can cause pale, white, or even blackened skin, indicating tissue damage.
👉 Example: If you’ve ever stayed out in the snow too long, you might have noticed your fingertips turning slightly blue—this happens because your body prioritizes keeping internal organs warm.
5. Medical Conditions That Cause Skin Color Changes
Certain medical conditions can permanently or temporarily change a person’s skin tone. These changes are usually caused by internal imbalances, infections, or organ dysfunction.
| Condition | Color Change | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Jaundice | Yellowish skin and eyes | Liver issues, excess bilirubin |
| Cyanosis | Blue lips, fingertips | Low oxygen levels in blood |
| Vitiligo | White patches on skin | Loss of melanin |
| Rosacea | Persistent redness on face | Enlarged blood vessels |
| Anemia | Pale skin | Low red blood cell count |
| Argyria | Bluish-gray skin | Exposure to silver compounds |
👉 Example: People with liver disease may develop yellowish skin due to the buildup of bilirubin, a pigment usually processed by the liver.
6. Diet and Nutrition’s Role in Skin Color
Believe it or not, what we eat can influence our skin tone over time. Certain nutrients, especially those with pigments and antioxidants, can cause subtle shifts in skin coloration.
- Carotenemia (Orange-Tinted Skin): Eating excessive amounts of carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes (rich in beta-carotene) can give the skin an orange hue.
- Flavonoid-Rich Diet (Glowing Skin): Foods high in antioxidants, like berries and green tea, can make the skin appear healthier and slightly rosier.
- Iron Deficiency (Pale Skin): A lack of iron can make the skin look dull, pale, and lifeless.
👉 Example: If you eat a large amount of carrots every day, your skin might develop a slight orange tint—a harmless condition called carotenemia.
While humans don’t experience rapid and dramatic color shifts like chameleons or octopuses, our bodies do undergo significant color changes due to various factors.
✅ Blood Flow Changes: Blushing, turning pale, or flushing due to emotions, exercise, or temperature.
✅ Hormonal Influences: Pregnancy, puberty, and disorders can alter skin pigmentation.
✅ Medical Conditions: Diseases like jaundice, anemia, and vitiligo can impact skin tone.
✅ Environmental Effects: Cold weather makes us pale or blue; heat makes us red.
✅ Dietary Impact: High-carotene foods can temporarily tint our skin.
So while we may not have the instant camouflage of a cuttlefish, our bodies still have an incredible ability to change color in response to the world around us.🎨