Lizards, a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with sizes ranging from tiny geckos to hefty Komodo dragons, house in every corner of the earth. But these fascinating creatures house a plethora of unheard and odd facts that may shock you.
First and foremost, their mobility is one to marvel at. While we are accustomed to watching lizards bask in the sun or hide under rocks, some species can do more than just crawl. The Draco lizard not only moves on land but can glide through the air by spreading out folds of skin attached to its movable ribs — quite an astonishing spectacle!
The regenerative capabilities of lizards are another aspect that amuses scientists. Unlike most animals, certain species of lizards can regrow entire body parts, octane their tails, and even parts of hearts. This feat of biology could reveal groundbreaking insights if replicated in medical science.
Adding to the peculiarity is a species of lizards called the thorny devil which absorbs water through its skin. It’s much like wicking water from a summer storm or gathering dew in the morning through its skin. They also have a false head on their back to trick predators, proving the extensive evolution and survival strategies these creatures possess.
While most of these creatures are benign, there are a few exceptions that can cause harm to humans. Among the 4,675 species of lizards, the Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard and can be aggressive towards humans. Not only can they eat 80 percent of their weight in a single feeding, but their saliva contains 50 strains of bacteria potent enough to kill their prey.
Lizards display a wide range of colors, and while some may believe this is to attract a mate, a study found that lizards develop bright colors to evade predators rather than attract a mate. Surprisingly, bright bodies signify good health and poison to potential predators, which discourages them from advancing.
In the world filled with bizarre and wonderful creatures, lizards hold a special place, providing us with insights into the workings of nature and stirring our curiosity with their uniqueness.
The bizarre truth about lizards
