Chameleon

Chameleon Introduction

A chameleon sits motionless on a tree branch. Suddenly it’s sticky, two-foot-long tongue snaps out at 13 miles an hour, wrapping around a cricket and whipping the yummy snack back into the reptile’s mouth. Now that’s fast food dining! And the chameleon’s swift eating style is just one of its many features that’ll leave you tongue-tied. Chameleons mostly live in the rain forests and deserts of Africa. The color of their skin helps them blend in with their habitats. Chameleons that hang out in trees are usually green. Those that live in deserts are most often brown. They often change color to warm up or cool down. (Turning darker helps warm the animals because the dark colors absorb more heat.) They also switch shades to communicate with other chameleons, using bright colors to attract potential mates or warn enemies. So how exactly do chameleons change colors? The outer layer of their skin is see-through. Beneath that are layers of special cells filled with pigment—the substance that gives plants and animals (including you) color. To display a new color, the brain sends a message for these cells to get bigger or smaller. As this happens, pigments from different cells are released, and they mix with each other to create new skin tones. For instance, red and blue pigment may mix to make the chameleon look purple.

Keywords to learn


About Me

Hey Kids, my name is Alex the axolotl and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @ 

www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

 

 

 

Key Data

  • Order:
    Urodela.
  • Lifespan:
    Up to 15 years.
  • Class:
    Amphibia.
  • Scientific Name:
    Ambystoma mexicanum.
  • Mass:
    200g – 300g (7oz – 10.5oz).
  • Length:
    15cm – 45cm (6in – 18in).
  • Region found:
    Native to Mexico.
  • Population Status:
    Critically endangered.
  • Current population trend:
    Decreasing.
  • Diet:
    Carnivorous.
  • Sexual maturity:
    12 months.

 

The axolotl is a strange and wonderful creature with many unique characteristics. Although it is currently critically endangered in the wild, there is hope that captive axolotls will allow scientists to unlock the secrets of their regenerative abilities.

 

Now that you know more about the Axolotl by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.

 

Download questions about the Axolotl here: Axolotl (answers are on this page)

 

Teachers. For more in-depth worksheets the Axolotl. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets Worksheets

 

Check out our NEW TWITTER ACCOUNT, where you can check out some more cool animal facts: @ animalsatoz

 

 

 

 

 

Axolotl Fun Facts for Kids

  • # 1. The axolotl can move as quickly as 10 miles (15km) per hour.
  • # 2.  Axolotls prey on small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures.
  • # 3. Axolotls have underdeveloped teeth, and inhale their food using vacuum force.
  • # 4. They were revered by the ancient Aztec people.
  • # 5. Axolotls have made multiple appearances in pop culture, including the video game Minecraft.

Q&A Corner

# 1. What is another name for the axolotl?

 

# 2. Do axolotls lose their gills when they reach maturity?

 

# 3. Where is the native habitat of the axolotl?

 

# 4. Name three things that are part of the axolotl’s diet?

 

# 5. Can axolotls survive outside of the water for extended periods of time?

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Animals Categories:-