Chameleon

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 Chameleon

Chameleon

Chameleon

Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) from Africa, Madagascar and India are highly specialized for arboreal life. Body is compressed, skin granulated and head with a prominent helmet or hood formed by squamosal and occipital bones. Feet are zygodactylus (zygo=jointed + dactyl=digits) with digits arranged in groups of 2 and 3 to grasp branches firmly. Additional security is provided by a prehensile tail. The very large tongue can be projected forward with great speed to capture insects, which stick to its sticky clubbed tip. The eyes are elevated in small cones and move independently. Chameleons are famous to blend with their surroundings with the aid of the ability of some to change colour. Colours include pink, blue, red, orange, turquoise, yellow, and green.

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Ayan Chakravarty

Name: Ayan Chakravarty; Home City: Kolkata, India; Role in the website: Content editor and Adviser; Academic Specializations: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Zoology, Bioinformatics;