Chameleon Quiz: Test What You Know

Written by Rebecca Bales — Published: March 4, 2023

How to Play:

Pay close attention to the image and captions provided to help you figure out the answer.

Key Points:

Chameleons are renowned for their distinct ability to change colors and blend in with their environment.
Their tongues are long and adhesive, measuring up to twice the length of their body, which they employ to capture their prey.
Chameleons possess eyes that move independently, enabling them to see in two different directions at the same time.

Chameleons are fascinating creatures known for their unique ability to change colors and blend seamlessly into their environment. These lizards are found in various parts of the world and come in a range of sizes, colors, and patterns.

With their distinctive appearance and unusual behaviors, chameleons have increasingly grown in popularity among pet owners and atheistic alike.

So, put your knowledge to the test with our Chameleon quiz! Let’s get started!

Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in Wroclaw Zoo — Kinemator / Creative Commons

What family do chameleons belong to?

Geckonidae

Agamidae

Iguanidae

Chamaeleonidae

Flap-Necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), Botswana — Ridard / Creative Commons

Where are chameleons primarily found?

North America

South America

Africa

Australia

Five Cool Facts About Chameleons

Chameleons are fascinating creatures that are well-known for their unique ability to change colors and blend in with their surroundings. But there’s more to these lizards than just their impressive camouflage skills.

Here are five cool facts about chameleons:

Chameleons always can see very well, their eyes move independently which enhances their vision.
Chameleons not only change color for survival reasons, but they are also somewhat of a mood ring. They change color based on their emotions and how they feel.
A chameleon’s tongue is incredibly fast and can catch fast-moving, unpredictable insects as meals.
Chameleons can’t grow back their tales like many other lizards are capable of doing. Their tails act like another limb and are not designed to break off. If they lose a tail, that’s the end of their tail.
Chameleons have very sticky spit, it has a sticky web that helps them catch and coat their prey with ease.

Oustalets Chameleon, Ambalavao, Madagascar — Bernard Gagnon / Creative Commons

What is the lifespan of a chameleon in the wild?

6-8 years

3-5 years

2-7 years

9-12 years

A West Usambara Two-horned Chameleon, Tanzania — Ales.kocourek at the English language Wikipedia / Creative Commons

What is the scientific name for the common chameleon?

Chamaeleo dilepis

Chamaeleo calyptratus

Chamaeleo chamaeleon

Chamaeleo jacksonii

Chameleon on leaf — iStock.com/KrasStock

What is the average length of a chameleon’s tongue?

10-15 inches

20-25 inches

15-20 inches

5-10 inches

Do Chameleons Make Good Pets?

Chameleons are fascinating creatures that have captivated the attention of many animal lovers. With their unique appearance and behavior, they make for interesting pets. However, before considering getting a chameleon as a pet, it’s essential to understand their needs and requirements.

Here are a few things to know before getting a chameleon as a pet:

Chameleons need tree branches and other natural feeling and looking environments.
Chameleons need temperature regulation because they are cold-blooded reptiles.
Chameleons need a steady diet of the right type of bugs.
Pick a chameleon that was bred in and for captivity.

Chameleons are not the easiest pets to care for, and they require specialized care and attention. Their housing, temperature, humidity, and diet requirements are unique, and not everyone is up to the task.

While chameleons can make excellent pets for experienced reptile owners who are willing to put in the effort to meet their needs, they may not be the best choice for first-time pet owners.

A panther chameleon baby is catching a cricket by extending his tongue. Chameleons are one of the best lizards because of their ability to change colors. — iStock.com/CathyKeifer

What is the purpose of a chameleon’s long tongue?

To attract mates

To catch prey

To help them climb trees

To scare off predators

Labord's chameleon has the shortest lifespan of all land vertebrates. They grow extremely rapidly, reach sexual maturity, breed, and then die — irinaroma/Shutterstock.com

What is unique about a chameleon’s eyes?

They can move independently of one another

They are always closed

They are blind

They are extremely small

What is the purpose of a chameleon’s color-changing ability?

To communicate with other chameleons

To scare off predators

To attract mates

To blend in with their surroundings

Chromatophores are the color-changing pigments chameleons use to regulate their body temperature. — Graphics Illuminate/Shutterstock.com

What is the primary diet of a chameleon?

Fruit

Insects

Small mammals

Vegetables

The Lifespan of a Chameleon

Chameleons have a lifespan that ranges from 2-7 years on average, which varies depending on the species. However, some larger chameleon species can live beyond 25 years of age.

It’s worth noting that the reproductive process of chameleons can take a toll on their bodies and, consequently, their lifespan. As such, male chameleons typically live longer than females due to the adverse effects of laying eggs and carrying young.

As most chameleons lay eggs, it’s worth discussing the egg-laying process. When a female chameleon lays eggs, the number of eggs can range from 5 to 100, depending on the size and species of the lizard.

Once the eggs hatch or the chameleons are born from their amniotic sac, they are already able to walk and fend for themselves.