Chameleon's+Body

 Why do chameleon's change color?

=When mentioning chameleons, the first thing that people think of is camouflage. Indeed, it is widely believed that chameleons can change their colors to match the environment they are in. It turns out that chameleons do not change their colors to blend in with the surrounding. Rather, lights, temperatures, and their emotions are the three determining factors for chameleons to change their color. =

= = = For example, when a chameleon feels cold and wants to warm up, it becomes darker. And, if it is in a good mood, it turns lighter. The secret behind its color change lies in its skin. =

= = = Chameleons have four layers of skin. The outermost layer is transparent. The next layer makes yellow and red. The third layer's dark pigment creates brown, black, and blue. The fourth layer reflects white. Through their nervous system, chameleons expand or contract pigment cells to develop the various colors and patterns that we see on the outside. = = =  What does their body look like?

 =Chameleons have flat, leaf-like bodies. Because they live in trees, this shape helps them to fool hungry predators or unsuspecting prey. Aside from their inconspicuous appearance, chameleons have several other adaptations that make living in trees easy. For example, each of chameleons' four feet has five clawed toes that are fused into two opposing groups -- two on one side and three on the other. These feet are ideal for grasping branches, making chameleons superb climbers. Most chameleons also have long tails that can be coiled around twigs as anchors. = = =  Click the climbing chameleon to learn more about the Chameleon's body.

 How does the chameleon use its tongue?

Is a chameleon’s tongue longer than its body?
=Yes, chameleons have very long tongues (sometimes longer than their own body) which they can rapidly extend out of their mouths. The tongue extends faster than the human eye can follow, at around 26 body lengths per second. Usually it hits the prey in about 30 thousandths of a second. The tongue's tip is a ball of muscle, and as it hits its prey, it rapidly forms a small suction cup. Once the tongue sticks to the prey, it is drawn quickly back into the chameleon’s mouth, where the chameleon's strong jaws crush it. Even a small chameleon is capable of eating a large locust or mantis.=

 Tell me about the Chameleon's eyes.

=Their eyes are the most distinctive among the reptiles. The upper and lower eyelids are joined, with only a pinhole large enough for the pupil to see through. The eyes can rotate and focus separately to observe two different objects at the same time, giving them a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body. When prey is located, both eyes can be focused in the same direction, giving a clear, sharp picture. They have very good eyesight for reptiles, letting them see small insects from a relatively great (5-10cm) distance.=

 Tell me more about chameleons' appearance. Click the picture below.

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