Book 32, Question 57
How does a chameleon grip a branch?
A chameleon’s feet are shaped like tongs.
Its toes are fused into two groups that clamp around a branch, with sharp claws for extra hold. Its tail can wrap around a twig like another hand. It rocks gently while it walks, like a leaf in the breeze. Together, these tricks keep it steady high in the trees.
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Quick answers
How does a chameleon grip a branch?
Chameleons’ feet split at nearly a 180 degree angle allowing for a superior grip on the branches where they live.
Source: blog.wcs.org
More fun facts
- Chameleons are some of the few lizards that have a truly prehensile tail.
- Chameleons are arboreal, meaning they spend the majority of their time up in the trees.
- Chameleons don't move around very fast, so they use their incredibly long tongue to catch the insects they eat.
- The Jackson's chameleon is a small- to medium-sized chameleon best known for its sawtooth-shaped dorsal ridge.
Sources: blog.wcs.org, San Diego Zoo