@mindcards: Chameleons look slow and deliberate, but their tongues are anything but. Some chameleon species can shoot their tongues out at incredible speed to catch prey, and their tongues can extend to around twice the length of their body. The secret is a specialised elastic structure inside the tongue. Instead of simply stretching it forward using muscle, the chameleon stores energy in specialised tissues before releasing the tongue towards its target. At the tip is a sticky, muscular pad that helps grab insects and other small prey. The whole movement happens so quickly that the prey often has very little chance to react. Even more impressive, chameleons can accurately target prey using their independently moving eyes before launching the tongue. So that slow-moving reptile sitting quietly on a branch is actually carrying a remarkably sophisticated biological hunting system. Nature really does hide some ridiculous engineering in ordinary-looking animals. What animal fact has surprised you the most? #AnimalFacts #Chameleon #WildlifeFacts #NatureFacts #DidYouKnow
