Lizards sunbathe for another reason

A lounging lizard might not bask just for warmth — it may be getting a much-needed hit of vitamin D. A new study reports that panther chameleons set their sunbathing schedule depending on how much vitamin D they need. The research, published online and in the May/June Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, shows how adept animals are at responding to bodily needs and has implications for how conservation groups, zoos and pet owners care for their reptilian critters, scientists say.