The Namaqua Chameleon lives in the southeast desert of Africa. The chameleon contains specialized cells called chromatophores on the surface of the skin that can control color change. Changing color is how the organism manages thermoregulation. It changes to a lighter color during the day so that more light is reflected rather than absorbed. At night, when the temperature is lower, it can change to a darker color to absorb more light and thus retain more heat. This adaptation allows the chameleon to maintain a stable body temperature and maximize water retention in the harsh and highly fluctuating temperatures of the desert it inhabits.
Picture: http://www.natgeocreative.com/ngs/photography/search/comp-view/index.jsf?xsys=SE&id=1156840
Info: http://bpsfuelforthought.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/namaqua-chameleon/
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