CHAMELEONS: Unlike most of us, CHAMELEONS, can rotate and focus separately to observe two different objects & It’s a common misconception that they CHANGE COLOUR to camouflage themselves against a background. In fact, chameleons mostly change colour to regulate their temperatures or to signal their intentions to other chameleons EYE SIGHT - They can rotate and focus separately to observe two different objects simultaneously, which lets their eyes move independently from each other. This gives them a full 360-degree arc of vision around their body. When prey is located, both eyes can be focused in the same direction, giving sharp stereoscopic vision and depth perception. Chameleons have very good eyesight for reptiles, letting them see small insects from a long (5–10 m) distance WHY CHANGE COLOUR? Chameleons can change their color because of a very complex cell system. Beneath its transparent skin are several cell layers which contain pigments. By opening and closing cells called melanophores, chameleons change their skin color. The cells direct sun to specific pigments which reflects the light back in different colors. It’s a common misconception that they do this to camouflage themselves against a background. In fact, chameleons mostly change color to regulate their temperatures or to signal their intentions to other chameleons. A change can occur in as little as 20 seconds. Since chameleons can’t generate their own body heat, changing the color of their skin is a way to maintain a favorable body temperature. A cold chameleon may become dark to absorb more heat, whereas a hotter chameleon may turn pale to reflect the sun’s heat. Chameleons will also use bold color changes to communicate. Males become bright to signal their dominance and turn dark in aggressive encounters. Females can let males know if they’re willing to mate by changing the color of their skin.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 04:22:43 +0000
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