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University Communications Network > Ask Dr. Universe > Academic Subjects > Biology > Zoology

What came first, the chicken or the egg? – Everybody

January 1, 2026 melissamayer

Dear Friends,

I get amazing questions from curious kids all over the world. So many of you want to know whether chickens or eggs came first.

It turns out, that’s one of the first questions I ever received—way back in 2001. A lot has changed since then. But a lot has stayed the same, including my answer, which was originally in the form of a comic.

To find out the answer, I read my notes from my late friend Ken Kardong, former zoologist at Washington State University.

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Dear Dr. Universe, How does a chameleon change colors? -Jasmine B. 12, Nepean, Canada & Marie F., 11, Ghana

January 25, 2016 rcwebber

Dear Jasmine and Marie,

There’s something about a chameleon’s darting eyes, long tongue, curled tail, and ability to climb that makes it a fascinating animal to watch. Especially when it’s changing colors.

And the latest research on your question suggests that how a chameleon changes has more to do with light than scientists once thought.

Can frog babies hear their mothers croaking underwater? -Ella, 9, Seattle, WA

August 31, 2015 rcwebber

Dear Ella,

Baby frogs go through some pretty big changes to become grown-up frogs. They start out as tiny tadpoles with just a head and a tail to help them swim. They have an inner ear and can hear some sounds.