Interesting facts about the chameleon

• Interesting facts about the chameleon

Any animal that can change the color and look in two directions at the same time, it is necessary to learn more about it. Armed with his long tongue, the chameleon, is probably one of the most fascinating reptiles on the planet. Here are some interesting facts about the chameleon.

Almost half of all species of chameleons live in Madagascar, and 59 species are found nowhere else in the world. In total there are about 160 species of chameleons. They live from Africa to southern Europe, throughout South Asia to Sri Lanka. They were also imported into the United States - Hawaii, California and Florida.

Most chameleons change color from brown to green and black, but some can become almost any color. The change may occur in less than 20 seconds. Chameleon born with specific cells within a color pigment. These cells lie beneath the outer layers of the skin of a chameleon. They are called chromatophores. Chromatophore topsheet has a red or yellow pigment, the bottom - blue or white.

When these cells are changing, and changing the skin color of a chameleon. Chromatophores changing, receiving a signal from the brain. This signal "tells" the cells expand or contract. Because of this mixed pigment as dye. A chemical called melanin also helps to change the color of a chameleon. Fibers melanin can spread like a web through the layers of pigment cells, and their presence causes the skin to darken.

A lot of people think that chameleons change color to blend with a background. Studies have shown that change the color of a chameleon makes mood, light and temperature. Sometimes the color change could "appease" the chameleon, and sometimes it helps individuals communicate with each other.

chameleon's eyes can see simultaneously in two directions. Their upper and lower eyelids are joined, leaving a crack through which a chameleon sees.

They can rotate and focus independently of each other and see different things at the same time. This gives them an overview of 360 degrees around their bodies. Finding extraction, the eyes can be focused in one direction, providing sharp stereoscopic views and depth perception. Do chameleons have very good eyesight for reptiles, allowing them to see small insects from a distance (5-10 m).

Chameleons vary in size and structure of the body. Maximum Length - 15 mm in the male type Brookesia micra to 68, 5 cm in male species Furcifer oustaleti.

Chameleons feed using ballistic long tongue that shoots out of his mouth to catch prey.

While it is generally accepted that the length of the chameleon's tongue - in 1, 5-2 times as long as its body, it was recently shown that smaller chameleons tongue more than their larger counterparts.

Language shoots quickly, grabbing prey for 0, 07 seconds. The tip of the tongue of a chameleon is a muscle bumps. Reaching production, it forms a small suction cup.

Paws chameleon well adapted for climbing on the branches. Each foot of five distinct fingerprint collected in the flat section 2 or 3 fingers, because of which their paws like tongs.

On the front legs in the outer group is two fingers, and on the inside - three. On the hind leg all the way around. With these clutches chameleon can firmly grasp the narrow or rigid branches. Each finger is provided with a sharp claw clutch for assisting in climbing surface.

Males are more "decorated". Many have such decorations on the head and the face, as nasal appendages or projections horny. Others may have large crests on their heads.