CAMOUFLAGE- The Chameleon’s Color Change

Level 1- How does the chameleon change its color to blend in?

Chameleons change color to blend in with their surroundings using specialized cells called
chromatophores. These cells contain pigments that reflect different colors of light. By
expanding or contracting these cells, chameleons can adjust the amount of pigment
exposed, which changes the color of their skin. This allows them to match the colors of their
environment, helping them to camouflage and avoid predators or catch prey. Additionally,
chameleons may change color in response to temperature, light, mood, or social interactions.

Level 2- How does the environment affect the chameleon's color?

The environment affects a chameleon's color because of special cells in its skin called
chromatophores. These cells change the amount of pigment showing, making the
chameleon's skin match the colors around it. So, if it's on a green leaf, it might turn green, or
if it's on a brown branch, it might turn brown. This helps the chameleon blend in and stay
safe from predators or catch prey.

Level3- How do scientists study the mechanisms behind a chameleon’s color change?

Chameleons may change color in response to temperature, light, mood, or social

interactions.

Scientists use strong microscopes to look at the cells in chameleons' skin that change color.
They also check chameleons' hormones to see how they affect color changes, especially
when chameleons are stressed or relaxed. Scientists can control the temperature and light
around chameleons to see how it affect their color. They also use fast cameras to capture
chameleons changing color quickly.

MIMICRY

Level1- Why does the viceroy butterfly look like the monarch?

The viceroy butterfly looks like the monarch butterfly to protect itself from predators. When
predators see the viceroy's similar colors and patterns to the monarch, they might think it is
poisonous and avoid eating it. This helps the viceroy butterfly stay safe from being eaten.

Level 2- What advantages does the Viceroy butterfly gain from mimicry?

Viceroy butterfly use mimicry as a defence mechanism to protect itself from

predators. By looking like the poisonous monarch butterfly, predators avoid eating it.
This helps the viceroy butterfly stay safe from being eaten.
Level 3- How does the mimicry benefit the viceroy butterfly in terms of survival?
Mimicry helps the viceroy butterfly survive by making it look like the poisonous monarch
butterfly. Predators avoid eating it, thinking it's toxic too, which keeps the viceroy butterfly
safe from harm.

Molting- The Snake’s Shedding Skin

Level1- What happens to a snake’s old skin when it sheds?

When a snake sheds its old skin, it peels it off in one piece, leaving behind a fresh new layer
underneath.

Level 2- Why do snakes need to shed their skin periodically?

Snakes shed their skin to grow. As they grow, their skin becomes too tight, so they shed it to
make room for their bigger bodies.

Level 3- What physiological changes occur in a snake’s body during molting?

The physiological changes that occur in a snake during molting, :

1.The snake's eyes look cloudy or bluish because it produces a slippery substance to help it
shed its skin.

2The old skin becomes dull or hazy as shedding begins.

3The snake's belly may appear pinkish in color.
4. Snake hide more than usual.
5 Its appetite may decrease, or it may not want to eat at all.
6 It may become more skittish or defensive, especially when its vision is
impaired due to cloudy eyes.