The Chameleon: A Master of the Long Tongue

The animal that has a tongue longer than its entire body is the chameleon. Chameleons are well - known for their unique physical features, and their incredibly long tongues are one of the most remarkable.

Chameleons use their long tongues as a highly effective hunting tool. Their tongues can be up to 1.5 to 2 times the length of their body. When they spot prey, such as insects, they can project their tongues out at an astonishing speed. The tip of the chameleon's tongue is a specialized muscular structure that forms a suction - cup - like shape. This allows it to quickly and firmly grasp the prey. The rapid projection of the tongue is due to a complex system of muscles and bones in the chameleon's head and neck. The hyoid bone, in particular, plays a crucial role in the extension of the tongue.

Another interesting aspect is that chameleons can accurately aim their tongues at their targets. Their independently moving eyes give them a wide field of vision, and they can precisely calculate the distance and direction to the prey. Once the tongue makes contact with the prey, it retracts back into the chameleon's mouth in a fraction of a second, bringing the meal with it. This amazing adaptation gives chameleons a significant advantage in capturing food in their natural habitats, from the dense rainforests to the arid savannas.