Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Chameleon
A lizard-like bulkier animal goes in a swish and hides on the surface behind the colour.
Common name – Chameleon
Scientific name – Chameleonidae
Size – 15 mm – 68.5 cm
202 species are studied and declared in 2015.
Type – Reptilia
Habitat and adaptations of peculiar Habits
In the countries of North Africa, Sahara, Madagascar and West India the Chameleon is cryptic but appears in the Terrestrial habitat of Tropical Rainforest, Desserts, Steppes region and Savannah. This reptile animal is seen on vegetation, tree bushes and leaf litter having a bulky lizard-like body with a prehensile tail, a functional tail that can Grasp for support. There is a nasal projection in some species (pointed snout) and also the presence of spikes on the upper side of the body ( in some species) that help to blend in environment. Chameleon is Arboreal, a climber and their feet are well adapted for climbing. Toes and sharp claws have a good grip on any kind of harsh and rough surfaces.
Eyes are peculiar, having a vision of 360°.The set of two eyes can be focused on 2 different objects at the same time, hence a chameleon can see two different objects at same time. A characteristic called ‘Depth perception’ is present in this animal that helps in analysing the distance between objects.
The vision of the Chameleon is a perception through Ultraviolet light. It can also detect sound frequencies of 200-600 Hz.
Ballistic Projection for Feeding.
A Chameleon can roll and project its tongue which is larger than its body length to trap and feed the prey. These are the omnivorous species of Lizards, young birds, and insects that feed on Dandelion vegetation.
Anti-predator Adaptation –
There is always a question, how do chameleons change colour?
They can go Cryptic by adjusting the microscopic cells called ‘iridophore’ cells to reflect different light. ‘Iridiophore’ cells are the cells which can reflect and display colours differently. Chameleons produce their body heat, hence they are ‘Ectothermic’ animals. A little bit of sluggishness is due to repetitive moments of tongue and contracting body muscles to change colour.
Reproduction
Chameleon species are Oviparous. Females lay eggs. Some species are Ovoviviparous, some females give birth to young Chameleons.
Females lay eggs in 3-6 weeks by digging holes according to clutch size. It might be 12 inches deep. Eggs hatch in 4-12 months. Some young Chameleons are born in a sticky yolk sac that females has to pierce it to break out the young Chameleons that are directly free and run to feed themselves.
The lifespan of a Chameleon is 5-7 years.
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