Chameleon
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
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Chameleons are famous for their ability to change colors, but the truth is that not all have the ability. Chameleons are also famous for their long, sticky tongue, and their eyes that can cover a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body. The name “chameleon” originated from Greek words “chami”(on the earth) and “leon”(lion). [1]
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Anatomy
Chameleons have anatomy that distinguishes them from their lizard cousins. They are the only lizard with zygodactyle feet which allows them to climb trees. Their feet are split into two main fingers with a soft pad in between. An interesting fact about chameleon’s feet is that they have two claws on the outside of their front foot and three on the inside, yet the situation is reversed in their back foot. Since eyes of chameleon can rotate and focus separately, they can cover a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body which makes it easier for them to catch preys. They can also focus on one object which makes the stereoscopic vision. They are also famous for their sticky long tongues. The tongue has a sticky tip on the end which will make it impossible for the preys to escape. Once the tongue sticks to the preys, it is pulled back to the mouth where chameleon’s strong jaw crushes them and consumes. [2]
Reproduction
Chameleons look out for other chameleons only during the late summer which is the breeding season. Chameleons lay eggs after 3 to 6 week gestation, their eggs are fertilized internal. Female find a warm spot at the base of tree when she is ready to lay her eggs. When she finds the warm spot, she begins to dig 4-12 inches depending on the species. Commonly they lay up to 30 eggs[3], but some extraordinary chameleon species such as Small Brookesia species only lay 2-4 eggs. The size of clutch vary greatly even among the same species. Eggs generally hatch after 4-12 months after they are laid, but some unusual species are known to be hatching after 24 months after they are laid. [4]
Diet
With eyes that can cover a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body and sticky long tongue, chameleons can easily catch their preys. When captured by the sticky tip on the end of tongue, there is no hope for preys to escape from the chameleon. Once the tongue sticks to the preys, it is pulled back to the mouth where chameleon’s strong jaw crushes them and consumes. [5] Chameleons generally eat locusts, mantids, crickets and other invertebrates, such as snails and spiders. However, larger chameleons may also consume vertebrates like lizards and small birds that are within their prey-size range. A few wild chameleons, such as Chamaeleo calyptratus have been also reported to eat flowers, leaves, berries, fruit and other living or dried organic matter.[6]
The color change
Chameleons are known to change colors due to their background, but the truth is that actually mood, light, and temperature affects the chameleon to change colors. The secret how chameleons can change color is because they are born with special cells that are called chromatophores. The top layer of chromatophores, called xanthophores and erythrophores, has red or yellow pigment. Below the top layer, another layer, called iridophores or guanophores, has blue or white pigment. When these pigment cells are commanded to shrink or enlarge from brain, the skin of chameleon change. There is a layer of dark melanin containing melanophores even deeper under the iridophores. The melanophores affect the 'lightness' of the reflected light of the skin of chameleon. By the work of these layers in chromatophores, chameleons can change colors. [7]
Gallery
 Two horned Chameleon (Bradypodion tavetanum) Genus: Bradypodion |
 Furcifer pardalis (species native of Madagascar). Genus: Furcifer |
 Rhampholeon brevicaudatus Genus: Rhampholeon |
 Chameleon eating grasshopper |
 Chamaelio calyptratus |
Related References
- Chameleon by multiple authors. Wikipedia.
- A Truly Bizarre Lizard Christopher J. Raxworthy. Madagascar.
- Chameleon Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
- Chameleons Sharon Katz Cooper. National geographic.
- Introduction Michael Fry. CIN.
