Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Clade: Acrodonta

Family: Chamaeleonidae

Specimen Description

Chameleons  are specialized for slow arboreal locomotion. Given that chameleons often live in arboreal habitats, where perches are small, gripping tightly with their feet, hands, and tail is critical for maintaining stability. Effective and stable progression is vitalbecause of the limited and narrow base of support.  This is increasingly important for larger chameleons given that larger animals tend to experience greater toppling moments when moving on a branch.  Chameleons have solved this problem by having prehensile (also termed “zygodactylous” by some authors) hands and feet in which the metacarpals and metatarsals are grouped into two opposing bundles. In the forelimb, the first three digits form one group (mesial) and the fourth and fifth form the second group (lateral). However, the hindfoot contains a different pattern. In this case, the first and second metatarsals are bundled, and the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsal form the opposing group.These opposing bundles, having skin fused together between digits,

are effective for grasping, as they are able to exert an adduction force on a branch with

a circular cross section. This adduction force essentially squeezes the branch and generates friction.

About the animal

Chameleons are reptiles that are part of the iguana suborder. These colorful lizards are known as one of the few animals that can change skin color. However, it is a misconception that chameleons change colors to match their surroundings. species of chameleons. With so many different species, there are many different sizes. The largest chameleon is the Parson’s chameleon, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. It can grow up to 27 inches (69.5 centimeters) long. The Madagascan, also known as the Oustalet’s chameleon, is also very large and grows up to 23 inches (60 cm) long. The smallest chameleon has a special distinction. It is also one of the smallest vertebrates ever discovered. The leaf chameleon grows to just 0.5 inches (16 millimeters) and can sit comfortably on the head of a match. Unlike other animals, chameleons continue to grow throughout their lives. As their old skin gets too small, they will shed it in bits and pieces, dissimilar to snakes that shed their skin all at once.

Reference:

http://www.biomechanics.ucr.edu/Higham&Anderson_2013.pdf

http://www.softschools.com/facts/animals/chameleon_facts/77