Not only are chameleons eye catching they are also every interesting critters, too.  They have interesting characteristics like a super long tongue and unique eyes.  I decided to research chameleons because I wanted to know how they could change color while lizards could not.  Most lizards stay one color and they are all a lot alike, but the chameleon seemed so unique.  There are many different things about chameleons such as their tongues, color change, and reproduction.

Chameleons are mostly known for their long tongue.  The chameleon starts off by finding its prey.  Then it gets situated by fixing both of its eyes on it, opening its mouth, and then snatches* it.  Chameleon’s tongues*  are longer than their actual body.  So, even if they are slow they can still reach their prey.  It is often asked how fast their tongues are.  Well, a chameleon can snatch its prey in just one-fiftieth of a second.  In conclusion, chameleons definitely have an advantage because of their tongues.  Even though their tongues are very important, the color change of chameleons plays an important role.

Another major fact about chameleons is how they can change color.  They can actually change color by special pigments*  in their skin, they are called chromatophores.  Most people think that chameleons change color based on the background, but it actually depends on the chameleon.  Each chameleon is born with a set number of patterns that they can change into.  Chameleons often change color based on the situation they are in.  For example, they blend in when there is a predator, and they are vibrant around other chameleons.  All in all, the color change of chameleons plays an important role in their life.  The only way that a chameleon gets its color and its specific pattern is through birth.

There are many different factors that apply to the reproduction of chameleons.  To start, males often display their colors to tell the other males to back off, the males also have little horns on their heads, but the size may vary.  These are used when fighting for a female.  As for the females, some lay their eggs in the ground, which is a very hard process because chameleons are so slow.  Others will keep them and give birth to live young.  Overall, there are many different factors that go with chameleon reproduction.

Chameleons are very different they have long tongues; they can change color, and are unique when it comes to reproducing.  Their long tongues can help them when it comes to being a predator.  When being the prey color change can play a big role.  And when reproducing males display their colors and fight for their girl.  Chameleons can be very interesting, eye catching lizards.

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