Which term is a cell that contains pigment and can change color, found in some reptiles?

Which term is a cell that contains pigment and can change color, found in some reptiles?

• A. Chromatophore
• B. Pigment
• C. Venom
• D. Fang

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how pigment changes are achieved by specialized cells in the skin. A chromatophore is a cell that contains pigment and can adjust how much pigment is visible, allowing the animal to change color. In some reptiles, these pigment-containing cells sit in the skin and can expand or contract their pigment granules in response to factors like hormones, light, or temperature, producing rapid color changes for camouflage or signaling. The other terms aren’t cells that control color: pigment is the colored substance itself, not a cell; venom and fang relate to toxins and teeth, not coloration.

The concept being tested is how pigment changes are achieved by specialized cells in the skin. A chromatophore is a cell that contains pigment and can adjust how much pigment is visible, allowing the animal to change color. In some reptiles, these pigment-containing cells sit in the skin and can expand or contract their pigment granules in response to factors like hormones, light, or temperature, producing rapid color changes for camouflage or signaling. The other terms aren’t cells that control color: pigment is the colored substance itself, not a cell; venom and fang relate to toxins and teeth, not coloration.