Analysis For The Heat Gain By Radiation Absorption: Chameleon

5.3.1. Example for the Heat Gain by Radiation Absorption: Chameleon

According to Badarnah Kadri (2012) statement, the solar radiation considers as the heat source for the insects and reptiles. Factors that effects the amount of heat gain are color, conductance distance from the heat source, and orientation (relative to the sun). Many reptiles regulate the heat absorption from the sun by the color alteration, while dark color absorbs more solar radiation the bright color reflects more. One of the reptiles which use the color alteration is chameleon.

As Deep Look YouTube video hosted by Sommer (2015) shows, previously there was a misunderstanding about the purpose of color alteration and how the alteration takes place. Based on the data presented in the video previously there was a belief that chameleon uses the color alteration for the sake of camouflage and

While the upper layer _named S_-iridophores_ consists of small close-packed guanine crystals, the second layer _titled D- iridophores_ contain large bricked shaped and disorganized guanine crystals. Since the upper layer possesses the arrangement of high and low refractive index with 3-dimensional lattice materials named photonic crystal, could generate of bright and white colors. There is no alteration in the crystal size at the top layer, the only variation occurs in the distance among the crystals. This variation leads to varied color reflection and consequently a quick color change in the chameleon. On the other hand, the second-thick layer does not have any role at the hue alteration; actually, this layer is the responsible of the amount of gained sun radiance by the dermis; therefore, it plays the role at the thermal protection of the animal. The following figure illustrates these two