Reptiles
By Sophie Acree and Christian Vizcaya
Reptile Requirements ~
Skink
~ Just like most lizards, skinks are able to detach their tail in the case of danger. A Tail will re-grow until it reaches its previous size. This process can take long period of time and it requires a lot of energy.
~ Certain skinks have green blood. Unique color of the blood is result of accumulation of the green, bile pigment called biliverdin.
Horned Lizard
~ Short-horned lizards are capable of inflating their bodies up to twice their size, resembling a spiny balloon. This occurs when the lizard comes across a predator.
~ Another unique fact about a horned lizard's defense mechanism is, they often shoot blood from the ducts of their eyes when in a panic involved with a predator. This is supposed to confuse predators, also, the chemicals can be toxic to dogs and coyotes.
Gekkota
~ Gekkotas can break off their tail at any given time if they feel threatened. It will grow back very fast and a Gekkota can do this many times throughout its lifetime.
~ Out of the whole reptile family, Gekkotas are among the top species that can climb the most efficiently. Gekkotas can move upwards, backwards, and even run down or up a tree upside down. Gekkotas have several pads covering their under belly and feet that allows them to do this.
Tail-Less Skink
Horned Lizard When Panicked
Gekkota Padding
Our links...
-http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/reptiles
-http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/