Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
May 13, 2020
Chameleons: Masters of Adaptability – Part 2
- as seen by -
Kevin Torregrosa
Chameleons are well-adapted for keeping themselves fed and hydrated. Features on their heads help to channel water to the chameleons’ mouths. By having such mechanisms, chameleons are able to avoid leaving the relative safety of the trees in search of a drink. They do, however, need to search for food. These lizards have some amazing adaptations to help with this as well starting with crazy, googly eyes. Chameleons’ eyes (above, O’Shaughnessy’s chameleon, Calumma oshaughnessyi), can move independently of one another. This allows chameleons to see where they are going, look for food, and watch for predators all at the same time. Once chameleons find bugs to eat, they can focus both of their eyes on an insect to ensure great aim. Why are these lizards so concerned about aim? They can shoot their tongues out greater than the distance of their body length to catch prey.
These are really cool adaptations.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kevin and his son will share other fun facts about reptiles from the zoo and the wild while herping from home in future posts on Wild View.
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