Question

Male chameleons display bright colors to signal that they are ready to mate. Chameleons may change colors to express emotional states, such as fear, anger, and surprise. While chameleons are usually brown or green, they may turn darker or lighter to warm up or cool off. What is the purpose of male chameleons displaying bright colors?

1) To attract a mate
2) To camouflage with their surroundings
3) To scare away predators
4) To regulate body temperature

Answer 1

Male chameleons use bright colors to attract mates, as a form of social signaling within their species, contrasting with aposematic coloration that warns predators of toxins in other species. Therefore, the most appropriate correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

Male chameleons display bright colors primarily to attract a mate. This form of social signaling is a type of animal communication that is more complex than simple camouflaging strategies. While they can change their skin color for camouflage and express emotional states, the function of showing off bright colors is to stand out to potential mates, not to blend in. Unlike aposematic coloration observed in species like the fire-bellied toad or the monarch butterfly caterpillar, which serves to warn predators of toxicity, the bright display of a male chameleon serves as a courtship behavior to entice a female.