No animal can change colors this way and look in two directions at once, so the chameleon is definitely worth learning more about. The naked eye can see that the chameleon is one of the most beautiful and unusual reptiles on the planet. Here are ten interesting facts that you might not know.
1. Almost half of the world's chameleon species live on the island of Madagascar, with 59 different species that do not exist anywhere outside the island. There are approximately 160 species of chameleon. They are distributed from Africa to southern Europe, from south asia to Sri Lanka. They have also been introduced into the United States in places such as Hawaii, California and Florida. We have already written about the smallest chameleon in the world, which lives in Madagascar.
2. Read more about color change. Most chameleons change color from brown to green and back, but some can take on almost any color. In just 20 seconds, repainting can occur. Chameleons are born with special cells that have color or pigment in them. These cells are found in the layers beneath the chameleon's outer shell. They are called chromatophores. The top layers of chromatophores have a red or yellow pigment. The lower layers have blue or white pigment. When these pigment cells change, changes in the chameleon's skin color occur.
Chromatophores change because they receive a message from the brain. The message tells the cells to expand or shrink. These actions cause the cell's pigments to mix - just like paint. Melanin also helps chameleons change color. Melanin fibers can spread like spider webs through layers of cells, and their presence causes the skin to darken. 
Many people think that the color of chameleons blends in with their environment. Scientists do not agree with this. Their research shows that light, temperature and mood cause chameleons to change. Sometimes a change in color can make a chameleon appear calmer. Sometimes this helps the reptile communicate with other chameleons. 
3. A chameleon's eyes have a 360-degree view and can see in two directions at once. Chameleons have the most special eyes of any reptile. They can rotate and focus separately to observe two different objects at the same time, allowing their eyes to move independently of 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, providing acute stereoscopic vision and depth perception. Chameleons have very good vision for a reptile, allowing them to see small insects at a long distance (5-10 m). 
4. Chameleons vary greatly in size and body structure from maximum length, varying from 15 millimeters in males of Brookesia micra (one of the smallest reptiles in the world) to 68.5 centimeters in males of Furcifer oustaleti. 
5. A chameleon's tongue can be 1.5-2 times the length of their body. They can shoot their tongue out of their mouth to capture prey. It was recently discovered that smaller chameleons have proportionally larger tongues than larger ones. Tongue throwing occurs extremely high efficiency, reaching prey in just 0.07 seconds.
6. Chameleons' feet are extremely adapted to movement in trees. There are five clearly visible toes on each foot, giving each foot a pincer-like effect. Each toe is also equipped with a sharp claw to help hold onto surfaces firmly when climbing.
7. Males are usually much brighter. Many have decorations on the head or face, others may have large combs on top.
8. Chameleons don't hear very well. Like snakes, chameleons do not have an outer or middle ear, and thus do not have an eardrum. However, chameleons are not deaf. They can catch audio frequencies in the range of 200-600 Hz.
9. Chameleons see in both normal and ultraviolet light. Chameleons exposed to ultraviolet light show greater activity and are more likely to hunt.
10. The American chameleon is not actually a chameleon. Anolis carolinensis is not a true chameleon, but a small lizard of the iguana family.
Continue reading also about the most beautiful geckos in a separate collection dedicated to reptiles.
Reptiles cause quite a mixed reaction in people. Incredibly strong, dangerous and at the same time cute, these peers of dinosaurs have become best example adaptation of animals to the environment. Ten reptiles on our list deserve special attention.
10. Agama Mwanza - the real spider-man of the reptile world
The red-headed rock agama is considered one of the most colorful reptiles on the planet. During the hot part of the day, the males of this lizard turn bright red and blue colors, and the presence of a rival on their territory makes the lizards become more and more bright colors. The combination of blue and red colors made this lizard incredibly popular on the Internet, where it was immediately dubbed the Spider-Man lizard. These lizards sometimes reach 40 centimeters in length. Their food consists of small insects and rodents that live in their territory. Agamas are the most common species of lizard in Africa.
9. Marine Iguana
Adaptation of animals to their environment is key to species thriving. The process of evolution can create the most unique living organisms from the most common specimens. Marine iguanas from the Galapagos Islands – shining example. These reptiles feed on algae and can often be seen on coastal rocks, where they “graze” like normal reptiles. land mammals. Iguana colors include wide range colors range from brown to pinkish-green. These are the only sea lizards on the planet, which are a unique example of adaptation to their environment. Marine iguanas swim like crocodiles, and with razor-sharp teeth they tear off algae from coastal rocks.
8. Gharial
The adaptation process often involves adjusting to a new diet and takes a long time. Although crocodiles and alligators do not suffer much from lack of food, using brute force and powerful jaws, one species in this family has developed more advanced tactics. Reaching 6 meters in length, the gharial, although it looks menacing, does not pose any threat to people. Using narrow and long jaws, the gharial became an excellent fish hunter, leaving larger prey to its fellows. The slightly creepy appearance seems to suggest that these crocodiles love to hide under water, exposing only their nose and eyes. Unfortunately, on this moment gharials are under threat of extinction due to the almost complete destruction of their habitat.
7. Rhinoceros Viper
Vipers are considered one of the most effective and dangerous predators of our planet. Although these Poisonous snakes and feed exclusively on small prey, human activities can cause them aggressive behavior. Rhinoceros vipers stand out among other species due to their unique appearance, their scales look like a real patchwork quilt different colors. The so-called horns protruding above the head give a special exoticism to its appearance. Such variegated coloring is the result of adaptation of this reptile, allowing it to camouflage more effectively. Just over a meter long, this snake can cause you a lot of trouble with its venom.
6. Rubber snake
You might think Canada is no place for boas, but you'd be wrong. British Columbia is home to a small boa constrictor called the rubber snake. These snakes have a unique ability among reptiles - they can control their body temperature. Despite the fact that the snake reaches a length of only 45 centimeters, its external resemblance to typical boa constrictors is simply striking. The rubber snake can live up to 70 years in a wide variety of habitats. It is often called a two-headed snake, due to the special hunting method of these reptiles. She uses her tail as bait or as a distraction. Often, numerous scars from mouse bites can be found on the tails of these snakes - this is how they distract adults from their nests. While the mouse is trying to overcome the snake's tail, the boa constrictor is already feasting on the little mice.
5. Javan Xenoderm
This snake, also known as the dragon snake, is a rare nocturnal species of snake that feeds exclusively on frogs. The reptile itself is black, long and easily distinguished from the rest, thanks to several rows of unusually widely spaced scales. This primitive look a snake decorated with a unique set of scales different types– from spiny to lamellar. The snake lives in Thailand, Burma and Indonesia.
4. Mata-mata turtle
Most turtles are fairly harmless creatures, but the mata mata is an exception to this rule. This species lives in the Amazon. The unique snake-like neck allows this turtle to attack birds, reptiles, invertebrates and fish that are unfortunate enough to be in its vicinity. To date, we do not know of any cases of this reptile attacking humans, but we do not recommend tempting fate.
3. African egg snakes
Snakes are renowned for their aggressiveness and swift attacks, but this species takes a much more leisurely approach to feeding. Specializing in plundering birds' nests, these snakes are capable of swallowing an egg whole. The absence of traditional teeth, as we are accustomed to seeing them, is compensated by special structure cervical vertebrae. Their lower sections have special elongated processes that protrude from the walls of the esophagus. They easily open the egg shell, allowing the snake to get the precious contents.
2. Legless lizards
It happens that many things are not what they seem at first glance. The first time you looked at the legless lizard, you would immediately mistake it for a snake. But these lizards actually don’t need limbs; they hunt well and move with serpentine movements. They differ from snakes in the structure of their jaws, the presence of movable eyelids and shoulder girdle. European legless lizards They feed mainly on snails and often wipe their noses on the ground to get rid of mucus.
1. Chinese Trionix
How can a turtle be without a shell? As elsewhere, in our case there are exceptions. Chinese Trionix boasts the absence of a shell as such. Instead, it has spherical leathery growths on its back. These turtles reach a length of just over 30 centimeters and feed on a wide variety of prey. One of them distinctive features– urination through oral cavity. This process occurs when the turtle is immersed in water. Thus, it controls the amount of fluid in the body and prevents the accumulation of large amounts of salts, which is important for marine inhabitants.
Reptiles are often portrayed as cold-blooded, emotionless, and dangerous. But there's more to our scaly friends than meets the eye. After getting to know each other more closely, it may turn out that they are not always who we see them as.
Dancing Caiman
We suppose that reptile breeding is a relatively dull affair, if any of us even think about it. But a quick glance at Yacare's caiman changes things. Yacare caimans are small crocodiles that inhabit open rivers in the Amazon region. During the breeding season, male caimans engage in elaborate dances on the river. They practice water aerobics to establish dominance and order.
Safe toothy giant
Sometimes, a species may change under evolutionary pressure to occupy a new niche. Unique to India, gharials have a surprisingly long, needle-like snout and many sharp teeth. Gharials have never been responsible for any human casualties as their bite is extremely weak and their behavior is much less aggressive than typical crocodile hunting. The gharial can appear extremely creepy, or even funny at times. Unfortunately, these reptiles are endangered due to a variety of reasons, including human interference, siltation and water pollution.
Egg-eating snakes
African egg-eating snakes raid nests for birds' eggs, which they swallow whole with their elastic jaws. Lacking traditional teeth, these “soft-mouthed snakes” have gnarled knobs along their heads. Once the egg is swallowed, these “back teeth” saw through it as they move towards the stomach. Egg eaters are truly bizarre, but fortunately these snakes pose no danger to humans. 
Crocodile tears
Crocodiles are often referred to as the heartless killers of reptiles. However, their predatory image life does not reveal the whole picture. Crocodiles are especially good care about its young, protecting its offspring, just like any other mammal. Interestingly, humans are usually at the bottom of the list of crocodile culinary preferences, becoming victims only in exceptional circumstances. And there are even stories of friendship between man and reptile. For example, Poncho, an American crocodile, was found and rescued by a fisherman in Costa Rica. Over the following years, the man developed a relationship with the crocodile, who not only recognized him, but also swam with him, played with him and did not harm him in any way. 
False snake
There are legless lizards that many people confuse with snakes. However, close examination will reveal a more lizard-like head, ear canals behind the eyes, or longitudinal stripes - all features of lizards rather than snakes. Some legless lizards can grow to long lengths- more than one meter in some cases. These reptiles hunt a wide range of prey and compensate for the lack of venom with a fairly strong bite. 
Residual snake paws
Religious stories may tell how "evil" snakes were cursed and lost their legs, and evolutionary biologists do believe that snakes once had legs. However, this change is rather caused by environmental pressures and natural selection- the absence of limbs became an advantage. More advanced species of snakes, such as vipers, have no limbs at all, but primitive snakes retain a pelvic girdle, with small appendages and tiny claws. 
Horned lizards
True horns are characterized by their bone-like structures surrounded by hardened keratin. This is the same type of material found in human nails. Jackson's three-horned chameleon looks bizarre - this reptile looks prehistoric in appearance, inhabiting forests East Africa. The projections from the head of this reptile are three significant horns, which have much in common with the horns of mammals. The horns of this lizard are used in disputes with competitors. 
Alligators and birds
Large enough to attack a person, the American alligator is seemingly the worst nightmare of herons, flamingos, storks and other aquatic birds. However, by wading through vegetation and trampling algae, alligators create large pools that remain flooded during the dry season. These areas attract a large number of fish that these birds can hunt. 
Canadian boa constrictor
Snakes of the family Boidae, including boas and anacondas, are the main characters in movie scenes in tropical forests, exciting the imagination of tourists. A small species of boa constrictor in the family Boidae inhabits select areas of British Columbia in Western Canada. Its range extends halfway to the Alaskan border. The Canada boa can grow to a length of over 0.5 meters. Strangely for a snake, it prefers colder temperatures and doesn't like it when the temperature gets too high. The rubber boa has the ability to regulate its own temperature, which is rare in reptiles. The creature closely resembles a miniature anaconda, but its tail is thicker, slightly reminiscent of a second head. It is designed to confuse potential predators as well as prey. Rubber boas hunt a variety of small animals and can live up to 70 years. 
Fancy turtles
Turtles belong to the tortoise family. There are both water-dwelling and land turtles. Some of them have extremely strange features. They may resemble a clam, but unlike the inert shell of oysters, their scutellum is actually complex structure bones that developed from the ribcage of their ancestors. Stranger is also the lack of a normal diaphragm in order to breathe. As a result, turtles are unable to cough, making them vulnerable to infection. Vocal cords are absent, but hissing and roaring can be produced by air pressure in many varieties. Finally, certain species attract their prey using their tongue, like a worm-like bait. These ancient creatures have a veritable array of new and bizarre features. 
Today, reptiles are not as diverse and successful a class of vertebrates as they were 100 or 200 million years ago, but many people are terrified by their sharp teeth, forked tongues and scaly skin. This article examines 10 of the most interesting facts about reptiles, from reproduction to shedding their skin.
1. Reptiles evolved from amphibians
If you trace the entire evolutionary chain, the first vertebrate fish evolved into tetrapods (four-legged animals), tetrapods developed into amphibians (amphibians), and they in turn evolved into reptiles. All these events occurred between 400 and 300 million years ago. And that's not the end of the story: about 200 million years ago, reptiles evolved into therapsids (beast-like reptiles), which later became mammals, and another 50 million years later, carnivorous dinosaurs evolved into birds.
Perhaps all of the above evolutionary metamorphoses explain the relative scarcity of reptiles today, since their more developed descendants (mammals and birds) have no competition in various ecological niches.
2. There are 4 main orders of reptiles
All living reptiles can be divided into 4 groups:
1) turtles, which are characterized by a slow metabolism and hard protective shells (shell);
2) squamate, including snakes, lizards and amphisbaenus;
3) crocodiles, which are the closest living relatives modern birds and extinct dinosaurs;
4) beak-headed - strange creatures, found only on a few outlying islands of New Zealand.
The pterosaurs that once ruled the skies and the marine reptiles that dominated the oceans went extinct along with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
3. All reptiles are cold-blooded
One of the main features that distinguishes reptiles from mammals and birds is that they are cold-blooded, and their internal physiological processes depend on weather conditions environment. Snakes and crocodiles literally "fuel" themselves by basking in the sun during the day, and become lethargic at night when there are no energy sources available.
The advantage of a cold-blooded metabolism is that reptiles require much less food than birds and mammals of comparable size. The disadvantage is the inability to maintain stably high level activity.
4. Reptiles have scaly skin
The rough, scaly skin of reptiles makes many people uncomfortable, but the fact is that it represents an important evolutionary leap: thanks to this protective layer, vertebrates were able to move away from bodies of water without the risk of drying out. During the process of growth, some reptiles, such as snakes, shed their entire skin, while others do so a few scales at a time.
5. Very few reptiles are herbivores
During Mesozoic era, some of the most large reptiles on Earth were herbivores, like Triceratops and Diplodocus. Today, surprisingly, the only herbivorous reptiles are turtles and iguanas (both reptiles are only distantly related to their dinosaur ancestors), while crocodiles, snakes, lizards and tuataras feed on vertebrates and invertebrates. Some marine reptiles (eg. saltwater crocodiles) can swallow stones, which weigh down their bodies and act as ballast.
6. Most reptiles have a three-chambered heart
The heart of snakes, lizards, and turtles has three chambers, which is an advantage compared to the two-chambered heart of fish and amphibians, but in comparison with the four-chambered heart of birds and mammals there is a significant disadvantage. The problem is that the three-chambered heart allows oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix, which is a relatively inefficient way of transferring oxygen to the body's tissues.
Crocodiles, most closely related to birds, have a four-chambered heart, which supposedly gives them a much-needed advantage when hunting.
7. Reptiles are far from the smartest animals on the planet.
With a few exceptions, reptiles are as intelligent as one would expect: more advanced than fish and amphibians, almost on par with birds in intelligence, but noticeably inferior to average-sized mammals. Reptiles' brains are about one-tenth the size of the rest of their body, which is common in rats, cats and hedgehogs.
The exception here is, again, crocodiles, which have basic social skills and are at least smart enough to survive, which is not the case with their extinct dinosaur cousins.
8. Reptiles became the world's first amniotes
The emergence of amniotes - vertebrates that lay eggs on land or carry embryos in the body of a female - became important transition period in the evolution of life on Earth. Amphibians that preceded reptiles had to lay their eggs in water and thus could not venture inland to populate continents. In this regard, reptiles occupy an intermediate stage between fish with amphibians (which were once referred to by naturalists as "lower vertebrates"), and birds with mammals ("higher vertebrates," with a more developed reproductive system).
9. In some reptiles, sex is determined by temperature
As far as is known, reptiles are the only vertebrates in which temperature determines sex: the temperature of the environment outside the egg, during embryonic development, can influence the sex of the hatchling. No one knows for sure how some species may benefit from the presence more representatives of a certain sex at some stages of their life cycle.
10. Reptiles can be classified by the openings in their skulls
This is not often used when working with living species, but the evolution of reptiles can be understood by the number of holes, or “windows,” in their skulls. Turtles are anapsid reptiles, without any openings; the pelycosaurs and therapsids of the later Paleozoic were synapsids, with a single opening; and all other reptiles, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs and marine reptiles, are diapsids, with two openings.
By the way, the number of "windows" gives important information about the evolution of mammals, which share the basic characteristics of their skulls with ancient therapsids.
What animals do the third eye help navigate in space?
The third eye, or parietal eye, is a common light-sensitive organ in some agnathans, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. It is located between the main eyes and is much smaller in size, and is also covered with skin, although more transparent. It contains a retina, a nerve and an analogue of a lens, which allows you to perceive direction sunlight, polarization of light from the sky and, according to some hypotheses, power lines magnetic field Earth. For many species, the necessity of the parietal eye for normal orientation in space has been experimentally confirmed. In birds and mammals, all that remains of the third eye is the pineal organ - the so-called pineal body, which is part of the endocrine system.
What kind of person was a wild crocodile friends with for 20 years?
In 1991, Costa Rican Gilberto Sedden discovered a dying crocodile on the river bank, shot in the left eye. He took him away in a boat and nursed him for six months at his home, where he not only fed and gave him medicine, but also cuddled the reptile, which he named Pocho. When Pocho recovered, Gilberto took him to the river, but he returned to the house after him and began to live in a pond nearby. They began to swim together every day, play and hug, and later Gilberto began to organize performances for tourists from this. In 2011, Pocho died of old age.
What marine and terrestrial reptiles are able to mate and produce offspring?
On Galapagos Islands live like marine iguanas, which feed mainly on algae, and terrestrial ones, which are called conolophans and eat mainly cacti and prickly pears. Despite the fact that these lizards belong not only to different species, but even genera, they are able to mate and produce viable offspring. Hybrid iguanas feel equally good under water and on land, and due to sharper claws they can climb up cacti, unlike conolophids, which only pick up fallen fruits. However, hybrids are no longer able to reproduce.
How high can crocodiles climb trees?
Crocodiles can climb trees and do it willingly. While observing individuals of different species in Australia, Africa and America, zoologists noticed crocodiles climbing trees to a height of up to two meters, although according to some local residents they can climb much higher - up to ten meters. While young crocodiles can climb vertically up a trunk, adult crocodiles can only climb branches inclined toward the ground or water. Scientists associate this behavior with the desire of crocodiles to explore their territory and bask in the sun.
In which animals is necrophilia a common reproductive strategy?
In Amazonian frogs Rhinella proboscidea, the number of males is 10 times higher than the number of females. During the mating season, males, fighting for females, form large balls, under which the females sometimes drown. This fact does not stop some males - instead of fighting for the living, they extract eggs from the bodies of already dead females and fertilize them. Biologists have called this unique behavior “functional necrophilia.”
What animals eat their tail and in what cases?
The tail, which the lizard throws away in case of danger, “dances” to attract attention to itself. for a long time, and in some species it even makes sounds due to the friction of scales against each other. The North American scincella, after throwing off its tail, returns to this place after some time, and if the predator does not feast on the tail, it eats it itself, since it contains a large amount of nutrients. IN in rare cases the tail breaks, but does not break off completely - then the lizard can grow another tail at the place where the vertebrae break off.
Why are lizards that reproduce by parthenogenesis still involved in mating games?
Many species of lizards are capable of reproducing through parthenogenesis, that is, without the participation of a male. Parthenogenesis is the most well studied in the population of lizards Cnemidophorus neomexicanus. Despite the complete absence of males among them, reptiles are still involved in marriage rituals. Immediately after laying eggs, the female retains increased level progesterone, which encourages her to play the role of a male, climbing on other females whose laying is yet to come. Studies have shown that the productivity of lizards after such “mating” due to the release of hormones is higher than that of isolated individuals.
How does a snake charmer make a snake that is deaf to the sound of a pipe dance?
Spectacled snake from the genus of cobras, she is absolutely deaf to the sounds of the pipe. From the outside it may seem that the snake seems to be dancing, moving to the beat of the snake charmer’s melody. In fact, it simply follows the movements of the pipe, and also reacts to the vibration that the caster creates by tapping his foot. By the way, the lives of Indian masters of this profession are not in danger during the performance - all the venom from the cobra’s teeth is removed in advance.
What animals collect moisture in front of their eyes and then drink from it?
Gecko lizards do not have eyelids, so they are forced to periodically wet a special transparent membrane over their eyes with their tongue. And the web-footed geckos, which live in the deserts of Namibia, use this feature for the reverse process. Almost every morning, fog falls on the dunes here, after which liquid condenses in front of the lizard’s eyes. The gecko then licks it off to quench its thirst.
Which snake feeds exclusively on bird eggs, much larger than itself?
The African egg snake is unique in that it can feed exclusively on bird eggs, the diameter of which can significantly exceed the size of the snake itself. She succeeds in this thanks to the very mobile joints of the skull bones, underdeveloped teeth and special processes of the cervical vertebrae. It is thanks to them that the snake opens the shell, swallowing the liquid and then spitting out the remains of the shell.
Which chameleon muscle hardly slows down as the temperature drops?
Chameleons are cold-blooded animals, and as the air temperature drops, their nervous and muscular activity slows down. However, the speed of throwing out the tongue, which chameleons use to catch prey, decreases very slightly: if at 35 °C it is 4 m/s, then at 15 °C it is 3.4 m/s. This feature has helped chameleons gain an advantage over other reptiles that become inactive in cold weather.
Where do soft-shell turtles live?
Not all turtles have a hard shell. Turtles of the soft-bodied superfamily completely lack horny scutes, so their shell is soft and leathery to the touch. Most species of this taxon also have a greatly reduced bony carapace. This is explained by the fact that such turtles spend most motionless for time, buried in the sand at the bottom of the reservoir and waiting for prey.
What type of lizard is both oviparous and viviparous?
Australian lizard known as the yellow-bellied three-toed skink in different ways childbearing within the same species. In populations living on the seashore, the cubs hatch from eggs, and in cold mountainous areas these lizards are viviparous. The genus of forest lizards found in our latitudes also have similar properties - they lay eggs only in the southwest of their range.
What animal can get drunk by simply burying itself in wet sand?
The Moloch lizard, living in the deserts of Australia, has unique ability collect water with your skin. The liquid that gets on the skin is not immediately absorbed, but enters the lizard’s mouth through microscopic channels between the scales. Moloch is able to extract water even from wet sand, simply by burying his belly in it.
Where can you see flying snakes?
IN Asian countries you can see flying snakes. They can climb to the tops of trees and from there soar down, spreading their ribs to the sides and turning into a kind of flat ribbon. Some individuals can cover distances of up to 100 meters in this way.
Loading...
