What Are Cephalopods Controlling for Camouflage in NYTimes Crossword Clue?

The New York Times crossword clue is likely asking for the name of the pigment cells, called chromatophores, that cephalopods control for their impressive camouflage abilities.

The New York Times crossword clue you're referring to is possibly asking for the answer "pigment cells" or "chromatophores". Cephalopods, such as octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid, are known for their remarkable ability to rapidly change the color and texture of their skin to blend in with their surroundings, a type of camouflage known as "adaptive color".

This camouflage is achieved by the use of specialized pigment cells known as chromatophores, which are controlled by the cephalopod's nervous system. These cells contain pigment sacs that can expand or contract, allowing the cephalopod to change the color of its skin from red to brown to green to white and any combination thereof. In addition to chromatophores, cephalopods may also use other methods of camouflage, such as reflecting light with iridophores or mimicking the texture of their surroundings with papillae. Overall, their ability to quickly and effectively change their appearance has made them masters of disguise in the underwater world.

What are the pigment cells that cephalopods control for their camouflage abilities?

The pigment cells that cephalopods control for their camouflage abilities are called chromatophores.