Chameleon camouflage6/22/2023 Lions, the main predator of zebras, are color-blind. If the predator is color-blind, for example, the prey species will not need to match the color of its surroundings. A species’ camouflage is also influenced by the behavior or characteristics of its predators. When clustered together, it is nearly impossible to tell one zebra from another, making it difficult for predators such as lions to stalk an individual animal. However, zebras are social animals, meaning they live and migrate in large groups called herds. The stripes on a zebra, for instance, make it stand out. Animals that live in groups differ from those that are solitary. The behavior of a species is also important. The arctic fox, for example, has a white coat in the winter, while its summer coat is brown. Animals with fur are more often camouflaged by season. Fur, on the other hand, can take weeks or even months to grow in. Feathers and scales can be shed and changed fairly regularly and quickly. Animals with fur rely on different camouflage tactics than those with feathers or scales, for instance. The physical characteristics of the organism are important. A species’ camouflage depends on several factors. This allows prey to avoid predators, and for predators to sneak up on prey. Organisms use camouflage to mask their location, identity, and movement. The color the Chameleon changes into means so much more, temperature, trying to get the attention of another Chameleon, etc.”ħth grader Doreen Yoon expressed her feelings on the topic, “ No, I didn’t know that Chameleons don’t use camouflage.Camouflage, also called cryptic coloration, is a defense or tactic that organisms use to disguise their appearance, usually to blend in with their surroundings. I actually think it’s even more interesting that they don’t match their surroundings. Zide said, “I didn’t know chameleons use camouflage. When Chameleons are born they come out as their base color which is green.ħth grade science teacher, Mrs. Chameleons only live 2-10 years, but it actually takes 4-12 months for their eggs to hatch. Chameleons have 5 toes on each foot and have prehensile tails, male Chameleons even have spikes and horns. Another fun fact is that Chameleons don’t just eat insects they also can eat foliage and fruits, but some Chameleons eat small birds and even smaller Chameleons. Some fun facts about Chameleons, is that their tongue consists of muscles and bones, and can be twice as long as their body. Each of the points of light are in a ray of crystals, so when the distance changes the crystals reflect at different wavelengths of light. Chameleons can also stretch or contract their skin, which moves the distance between crystals. The result in our eyes appears one color or multiple colors. When light hits the lattice it shatters into different wavelengths some are absorbed and some bounce back. The crystals are arranged in a three dimensional lattice. These cells are made of tiny salt crystals that are only 130 nanometers across. It turns out right below the surface of their skin is a layer of cells called Iridophores. Scientists thought chameleons change colors by spreading out pigments in their cells, but the truth is way more complex. How do they change colors though? Scientists have been getting that wrong too. The faster chameleons change colors the more excited they are. However, when they feel threatened, annoyed, or just want to show a little swagger they change all different colors. They even mimic leaves by dancing around a little. When a chameleon is green they feel relaxed, that’s when they blend into their home in the forest canopy. Scientists discovered chameleons change colors because of their mood, showing off to another Chameleon, light, temperature, or the humidity of the environment. Everyone knows that chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings right? Actually, that’s a myth.
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