Here's why:
* The visible spectrum is continuous: The visible spectrum is a continuous range of wavelengths of light that our eyes can detect.
* We perceive distinct colors: We typically see distinct colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet because our brains categorize ranges of wavelengths.
* Many shades within each color: Within each of those "main" colors, there are countless shades and hues that are determined by slightly different combinations of wavelengths.
Think of it like a rainbow. While we recognize the main colors, there's actually a smooth gradient from one color to the next, with countless shades in between.