In the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world live some of the most unusual and wondrous creatures ever made by the Great Designer. The plants of these lush and humid climes are also full of surprises and strange features. Let’s look at one of these unusual life forms, the chameleon.
The chameleon is one of the world’s truly unique creatures. It has jointed grasping feet, a prehensile tail, a tongue that can be catapulted out to a length as long as its own body, and eyes set in turrets operating independently of each other. It also has the ability to change colors to match its background. The chameleon’s ability to match the plants around it is made possible by four layers of skin each containing a different light reflecting substance. The lower layer where the melanophores are located is the most complex. Melanophores are cells that contain the pigment “melanin” and have long tentacle like extensions that move up through the upper light reflecting layers. To change the color of the skin, the color cells alter in size, and by variation of the amounts of yellow, red, and dark brown, different colors are produced by a mixing effect. The light reflecting layers also help alter and vary the hue and tint. How the chameleon is able to know that he has matched perfectly the color and pattern of its environment without a mirror to check out his arrangement of pigments is remarkable.
The length of this article does not permit us to continue looking at the chameleon’s other uniquely designed features, but they do show a distinct plan for this animal, and if there is a plan then there has to be a Planner!!
