Blending In
Tanzania, Africa
Chameleons are famous for their ability to change color to match their surroundings. While not all species have this ability, those that do use it for camouflage, social communication, and in reactions to temperature and other environmental conditions. This color change is possible due to nerves that are stimulated by what the chameleon sees. This causes pigments called melanophores to darken the skin, and at the same time obscure the bright yellow and red pigments known as chromotophores. This one blends in quite nicely with the surrounding green grass in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
The upper and lower eyelids of a chameleon are joined, leaving only one cone-shaped eyelid with a gap large enough to expose the pupil. To maximize its field of vision, the chameleon can move its eyes independently of one another so that it can look in multiple directions at the same. Famously, they also possess a projectile tongue that can shoot forward with muscular contractions at speeds up to 15 meters per second, grasping prey on its sticky tip. A chameleon walks extremely slowly, almost as if staggering. This rocking back and forth motion is used to avoid detection, as it appears to be swaying a leaf in the wind.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
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