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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page overview of the group of animals we know as chameleons. The author provides a specific phylogenetic classification of these animals from Kingdom to Species, noting the similarities in evolutionary pattern with other vertebrates and distinguishing the chameleon from other lizards on the basis of key taxonomic criteria. A discussion of the ecology of the group as a whole is presented as is a brief notation on the endangered status of one specific example of this group, Chamaeleo belalandaensis. A detailed explanation of how and why the chameleon changes color is included as well. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: AM2_PPchamel.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Chameleons are among the most fascinating representatives of the phylogenetic class Reptilia. Chameleons, of course, are members of the Animal Kingdom
and found in the phylum chordata. Phylogenetically chameleons are categorized in the Subphylum Vertebrata, the Class Reptilia, and the Order Squamata. They range in size from small to
medium in comparison with other representatives of their class. They also range in size, as will be seen, on a subfamily level. Laterally flattened bodies are offset by
eyes which protrude to some degree from the surface of the head. The eyes are further distinctive in that they have the ability to be rotated independently of one
another allowing the chameleon to peruse all 360 degrees of its surroundings (Raxworthy, 2002). Unlike the toe arrangement found in other lizards, chameleons are characterized by four legs with
a distinctive grouping of toes on each side of each foot which forms a sort of tong-like extension for each foot, allowing the chameleon to more effectively grasp tree limbs
and the like as well as its prey. This toe arrangement is termed zygodactyle (Raxworthy, 2002). Chameleons prey primarily on
insects but they also take other small animals as the opportunity presents itself. Their tong-like feet are only one component of their hunting arsenal, however. They fall second
in importance, in fact, to the sticky tongue of the chameleon which can be shot out of the mouth at will to ensnare an unfortunate bug or other critter.
The tongue of the chameleon can reach two times the length of the chameleons body (Raxworthy, 2002). The possession of this type of tongue serves as a distinguishing characteristic
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