9/20/2023 0 Comments Chameleon camouflage![]() ![]() The skinny on skin. How chameleons change color is a fascinating and complicated process. When the chameleon sees prey, both eyes can focus in the same direction to get a clearer view. The chameleon can rotate and focus its eyes separately to look at two different objects at the same time! This gives it a full 360-degree view around its body. Each eye has a scaly lid shaped like a cone, with only a small, round opening in the middle for the pupil. The eyes have it. The chameleon's eyes are the most distinctive among reptiles. For this reason, the chameleon's tail cannot be broken off and regrown like those of many other lizards. ![]() The chameleon's tail also helps with life up high: most have a prehensile tail that can wrap around tree branches while climbing. This allows them to grasp branches just like our thumbs and fingers can grasp objects. Most lizards have five toes, but the chameleon's five toes are modified into groups: on the forefoot, the two outside toes are joined to form one group, and the three inside toes form another the hind foot has the opposite arrangement. Get a handle on it. Chameleons spend their life in trees and bushes. These colorful lizards are known for their ability to change their color their long, sticky tongue and their eyes, which can be moved independently of each other. The color the Chameleon changes into means so much more, temperature, trying to get the attention of another Chameleon, etc.”ħth grader Doreen Yoon expressed her feelings on the topic, “ No, I didn’t know that Chameleons don’t use camouflage.Lovely lizards. In the reptile world, there are some bizarre shapes and colors, but some of the most striking variations are found in the chameleons. I actually think it’s even more interesting that they don’t match their surroundings. ![]() Zide said, “I didn’t know chameleons use camouflage. When Chameleons are born they come out as their base color which is green.ħth grade science teacher, Mrs. Chameleons only live 2-10 years, but it actually takes 4-12 months for their eggs to hatch. Chameleons have 5 toes on each foot and have prehensile tails, male Chameleons even have spikes and horns. Another fun fact is that Chameleons don’t just eat insects they also can eat foliage and fruits, but some Chameleons eat small birds and even smaller Chameleons. Some fun facts about Chameleons, is that their tongue consists of muscles and bones, and can be twice as long as their body. Each of the points of light are in a ray of crystals, so when the distance changes the crystals reflect at different wavelengths of light. Chameleons can also stretch or contract their skin, which moves the distance between crystals. The result in our eyes appears one color or multiple colors. When light hits the lattice it shatters into different wavelengths some are absorbed and some bounce back. The crystals are arranged in a three dimensional lattice. ![]() These cells are made of tiny salt crystals that are only 130 nanometers across. It turns out right below the surface of their skin is a layer of cells called Iridophores. Scientists thought chameleons change colors by spreading out pigments in their cells, but the truth is way more complex. How do they change colors though? Scientists have been getting that wrong too. The faster chameleons change colors the more excited they are. However, when they feel threatened, annoyed, or just want to show a little swagger they change all different colors. They even mimic leaves by dancing around a little. When a chameleon is green they feel relaxed, that’s when they blend into their home in the forest canopy. Scientists discovered chameleons change colors because of their mood, showing off to another Chameleon, light, temperature, or the humidity of the environment. Everyone knows that chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings right? Actually, that’s a myth. ![]()
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