Chameleons have built a pretty solid reputation on two commonly held beliefs: They can stealthily blend into their surroundings, and they are the ideal subjects for iconic '80s anthems . But it turns out one of those supposed facts isn't quite right — in fact, everything you think you know about chameleons and their color-changing capabilities is likely backward.

So, how do chameleons change color ? The answer is probably not what you're expecting.

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"The color-changing properties of chameleons don't really help them blend in, but rather their natural, relaxed state is what helps them blend in," says Daniel Flynn, marketing manager for the Conservation Society of California at the Oakland Zoo .

"The expression 'blending in like a chameleon' isn't

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