GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Anterior - toward the front

Arboreal - living in or among the trees

Basking - holding the body in a position directly exposed to the sun

Canthus Rostralis - (pl. Canthi Rostrales) slight ridge separating the top and side surfaces of the mouth in some amphibians and reptiles, normally extending from the front corner of the eye to the nostril.

Casque - the upward projecting cap or helmet at the back of a chameleon's head

Cloaca - the opening used for urinary, digestive, and reproductive discharges (Vent). It is located at the base of the tail

Conical - cone shaped

Dorsal - pertaining to the back

Gular - connected to the chin

Hemipenal Bulge  - the swollen area of the tail base created by the presence of the male sexual organ (hemipenis)

Heterogeneous Squamation - scales of varied colors sizes or patterns

Homogeneous Squamation - scales of the same color or pattern

Occipital - pertaining to the back of the head

Oviparous - egg laying, reproducing by laying eggs tha hatch OUTSIDE the females body

Ovoviviparous - reproducing by eggs which the female carries in her body until they hatch

Parietal - pertaining to the bones forming the roof and sides of the skull

Posterior - toward the rear

Prehensile - adapted for grasping or grabbing by wrapping around; the chameleons tail

Rostral - pertaining to the part of the head from the mouth tip to the nostrils

Scalation - the arrangement of scales on the body of reptiles

Sexual Dimorphism - the existence of noticeable physical differences in males and females

Spinose - shaped like a thorn

Squamation - the arrangement of scales

Tarsal Spur - an outgrowth on the heel 

Thanatosis - posture suggestive of death "playing possum"

Thermoregulation - control of body temperature through behavioral or physiological means i.e. basking and color change 

Tubercles - warty protuberances

Ventral - pertaining to the lower portion of the body or its parts