The Panther Chameleon’s Survival Skills
In The Panther Chameleon’s Survival Skills, narrator Sir David Attenborough looks at the amazing panther chameleon and how it has adapted to survive. This chameleon uses its long, fast tongue like a missile to catch insects, and its toes act like pincers to grip branches. Its eyes rotate in all directions, and its skin changes color to blend in with its surroundings, helping it thrive and hunt in the jungles of Madagascar. This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
Lesson Express
Q: In what ways does the panther chameleon’s ability to change color enhance its chances of survival in the jungle ecosystem?
A: It helps the chameleon blend into its environment, providing camouflage to avoid predators. Additionally, the color change is used to communicate emotions or signals to other chameleons, which can be important for mating or territorial behavior, making it a crucial survival tool in the jungle.
Q: How does the panther chameleon’s long, sticky tongue provide an advantage when hunting in the jungle?
A: The long, sticky tongue allows it to capture prey from a distance, which is an essential hunting technique in the dense jungle. This adaptation minimizes the risk of getting too close to potential predators while still allowing the chameleon to catch insects like mantises and other prey with great precision.
Q: What role do the panther chameleon’s toes play in its survival, and how do they contribute to its hunting strategy?
A: The chameleon’s toes are adapted to function as grasping tools, enabling it to securely cling to branches in the jungle’s trees. This ability to grip tightly allows the chameleon to remain stable while hunting and gives it the freedom to move quickly through the trees to catch prey or escape from threats.
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