十万个为什么·科学启蒙30篇（1）

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章鱼如何如此快速地改变颜色？

Octopuses have special skin cells called chromatophores filled with colorful pigments.
Each chromatophore has tiny muscles that expand or shrink the pigment spot instantly.
They also use iridophores and leucophores to reflect light and create shimmering effects.
Their eyes detect surrounding colors and patterns, then send signals to the skin.
Unlike chameleons, octopuses control color change consciously—not just by mood or temperature.
Some species match complex textures by raising skin bumps called papillae.
This camouflage helps them hide from predators and sneak up on prey silently.
A single octopus can shift its whole appearance in less than a second.
Even blind octopuses change color if their skin senses light directly.
Scientists study their skin to design new adaptive materials for robots and clothing.