<strong>How much do you know about chameleons? Find out with this quiz</strong>&nbsp;

Chameleons are one of the most fascinating animals on earth. These are small to mid-sized reptiles belong to the family Chamaeleonidae, one of the most popular lizard families in the animal kingdom. They are known to change colour and pattern by manipulating the pigments embedded in their skins (for the sake of camouflage, especially from potential predators) and project their long tongues and maintain a quadrupedal (four-legged) posture. Their other unique characteristics include independently rotating eyes (offering them a near 360-degree vision) and prehensile (ability to hold or clasp objects) tails. While most chameleons are insectivores, there are few that feed on small animals and birds. Find out with this quiz, how much more you know about them.  

Q1) When did the first group of chameleons evolve? 

1. 100 million years ago 

2. 50 million years ago 

3. 15 million years ago 

4. 65 million years ago 

Q2) How many individual species are chameleons classified into? 

1. 100 

2. 200 

3. 150 

4. 350 

Q3) What is the meaning of the term ‘chameleon?’ 

1. Ground lion 

2. Tree lion 

3. Flying lion 

4. Tiny dinosaurs 

Q4) Where does half of the world’s chameleon population live? 

1. The Great Barrier Reef 

2. Madagascar 

3. Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ 

4. Trinidad 

Q5) Why do chameleons see through the ultraviolet spectrum? 

1. To catch their preys 

2. To attract potential mates 

3. To stimulate their brains 

4. To enhance their life span 

ANSWERS: 

Q1. (d) 

The first group of chameleons evolved 65 million years ago, shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs. In fact, the earliest identified species emerged in Asia during the mid-Paleocene age.  

Q2. (b) 

Chameleons are classified into 200 individual species which are only indigenous to Africa and Eurasia. All of these species are distinct from one another. 

Q3. (a) 

The meaning of the term ‘chameleon’ is ground lion. The term originated in modern day Iraq almost 4000 years ago among the Akkadian culture. They termed chameleons as ‘nes qaqqari’ that literally meant ‘lion of the ground.’  

Q4. (b) 

Half of the world’s chameleon population lives in the island of Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa. 

Q5. (a) 

Chameleons are able to see through the sun’s ultraviolet spectrum as it helps them better target their preys and also makes them more active, social and interested in breeding when exposed to UV radiation.