Video Transcript
Which of the following is
considered a behavioral adaptation in a chameleon? (A) Hooded head, (B) wide-angle
view eyes, (C) long tongue to catch faraway preys, or (D) the tendency to change
color to reflect their mood.
To answer this question, we need to
first define what a behavioral adaptation is and then decide which of the listed
features matches this definition. A behavioral adaptation is a
specific action or behavior that an organism performs that makes it well suited to
its environment.
As we can see in the image,
chameleons do have hooded heads, or in other words they have a ridge on the back of
their skulls. This ridge can help the chameleon
collect water and attract mates, so it is definitely a useful adaptation, but is it
a behavioral adaptation? No, it’s actually a structural
adaptation, which is a special physical feature of an organism that makes it well
suited to its environment. Knowing this, let’s eliminate
option (A) from our answer choices.
Chameleons have eyes that can move
independently to see things at very wide-angle views. This is helpful to detect prey,
predators, and mates. But it is again a structural
adaptation and not a behavioral one, so we can eliminate option (B).
The very long tongue of a chameleon
is also useful in catching prey that is fairly far away. But again this is a structural
adaptation and not a behavioral adaptation. Let’s eliminate option (C).
Chameleons are able to change the
color of their skin for a variety of reasons. Some include helping them to
camouflage and avoid predation. Sometimes it helps them to regulate
their body temperature. But it can also be hugely useful
for attracting mates. Male chameleons can change their
skin to bright, vibrant colors, allowing them to stand out to females and intimidate
their rival males. In fact, a sudden change in color
may indicate that a male chameleon is readying itself for a fight. This is a behavioral adaptation as
it is a specific action that the chameleon performs that makes it well suited to its
environment.
So, the correct answer that
describes a behavioral adaptation in chameleons is (D): the tendency to change color
to reflect their mood.
