Tricia Charles, age 13, of Sarasota, Fla., for her question:
WHERE DO CHAMELEONS LAY THEIR EGGS?
The reptiles of the world can be divided into five large groups. The alligators and crocodiles are one branch on the family tree, while the lizards, snakes, turtles and a shy member called the tuatara round out the family portrait. Of course, being proper reptiles they have backbones and scales, they breathe air and they depend on outside sources for their body heat. But each group in the clan has its own characteristics; and although Mr. Chameleon is classified as a lizard, he is quite different from most lizards.
There are more than 80 species of chameleons, rangingin size from less than two inches to almost two feet in length. Their native home is Africa, Madagascar and southern Europe and Asia, and most of them are tree dwellers.
Unlike the speedy lizards that race across forest floors or hot desert sands, the chameleon is a slowpoke. Although his feet are not designed for running, they are perfect for climbing. The five toes on each foot are divided into groups of two and three and fused together. The two groups work together much like the jaws on a pair of pliers--just right for clinging to swaying branches.
Generally chameleons prefer to stay in trees. To change trees or lay their eggs, however, they must descend to the ground, where walking or digging a nest means slow, arduous work.
By everyday standards, a chameleon is not very pretty. To a male chameleon, however, his lady fair is a bewitching creature. During the mating season males spend much of their time trying to impress the ladies, and just about as much time bluffing or actually fighting each other. When two rivals meet on a branch they stretch out folds of skin or puff themselves up to a more impressive size. Naturally, since this is an emotional time, they make use of their color-changing ability to try to frighten each other.
Eventually a male and female will pair off, and after mating the female must come down to the ground to lay her eggs. Generally she tries to find a soft spot in the ground or perhaps a rotten log. She scratches and digs with her front legs and uses her back legs to push out the debris. Sometimes the hole may be eight inches deep and four inches across--quite an achievement for her clumsy feet. The number of eggs deposited depends on the species and may range from two to 40. When she is finished she carefully covers them and hurries back to the safety of a nearby tree.
Not all chameleons lay eggs. Some species keep the eggs in their bodies. A short time before birth the shell dissolves and the baby arrives in a thin membrane. The newborn chameleon uses an egg-tooth to cut its way out of the membrane before it scoots on its merry way. Chameleons are perhaps bestnoted for their ability to change color. Other animals including some fish, squid, crabs, shrimp and frogs also have this talent.