In the world of animals it is the things that we don’t know that surely outweigh the things that we do. Even animals that are very familiar to the average person often have strange and interesting facts about them that when learned makes one wonder, “What in the world?”

Take for example the chameleon. This green animal is well known to the average person by its long body and very familiar looking eyes. This lizard is instantly recognizable especially after this fascinating creature was featured on a very famous beer commercial awhile back. You remember the ad where the chameleon battled with some frogs over beer? The chameleon was propelled into fame arguing about the merits of a frog selling alcohol as if every smart person would believe a chameleon over a bullfrog.

But did you know this about the chameleon? This guy can move its eyes in two different directions at the same time! While the human has vision in 3D and needs both eyes to determine depth and distance, the chameleon can move each eye independently thus making sure no predator can sneak up on him. Or maybe he’s just looking out for that bully frog trying to take away his air time again!

Another interesting fact about the chameleon is that its tongue is twice the length of its body. Just imagine that fly landing on a branch away from the hungry chameleon thinking he is way out of range. Ha! Little does he know he’s in site of the animal kingdom’s Smart Missile in the tongue of the chameleon? ZAP! And that fly is shot and sucked up by the hungry lizard sitting far away from his unsuspecting lunch.

Half a world away is another familiar animal which many people can identify on sight but know very little about it. The animal I’m speaking of this time is the tuxedo wearing looking penguin.

Let’s talk about the Emperor penguin, shall we? What is interesting about this creature is that after birth the female actually runs away to eat leaving the father to take care of the newborn all by himself. For about 60 ice cold Antarctic days the father Emperor Penguin guards his eggs and then after birth feeds and shelters his newborn.

During this time he will not eat himself. On average the father penguin will lose around 25 pounds as he protects his young and feeds them from regurgitated food in the form of a special liquid coming from his throat. After 60 or so days of this routine the mothers return and take over the raising of the baby penguins as the fathers retreat to the ocean for a much deserved rest!

So there ya go! Some little known facts about two very familiar animals. Go and impress your friends with your new found knowledge!