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FACTS ABOUT: The chameleon chameleon

Definition: chameleon  Play chameleonpronunciation  A chameleon is a lizard that is able to change its skin color to match its environment.

Fun Facts


1. Masters of Disguise: Chameleons don't just change color to match their background; they actually change colors to show their mood, like if they are angry, scared, or trying to attract a mate!


2. Super-Powered Tongues: A chameleon’s tongue can be as long as its entire body and shoots out faster than the blink of an eye to catch bugs.


3. Eyes on Swivels: Their eyes can move independently in two different directions at the same time, giving them a full 360-degree view of the world around them.


4. No Ears Needed: Chameleons don't have external ears, but they aren't totally deaf—they can feel low-frequency vibrations through the ground.


5. Built-In Rock Climbing Gear: Their feet are shaped like tiny oven mitts (with toes fused together) that help them grip tree branches tightly so they never fall.


6. Tiny to Mighty: They come in all sizes! The tiny Brookesia micra chameleon is small enough to fit on the tip of a matchstick, while others can grow up to two feet long.


7. Tree Huggers: Most chameleons spend almost their entire lives up in trees and bushes, rarely ever touching the ground.