Evolution of Defensive Mechanisms in Reptiles

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Reptiles, the class of reptilian, are an evolutionary grade of eukarya, including today’s turtles, crocodilians, snakes, lizards, as well as many other extinct groups. Reptiles have existed on this planet for millions of years and have undergone countless mutations. One area of interest is how have these creatures defended themselves as their predators have evolved? Over time, evolution has caused the many subspecies of reptiles to develop a wide variety of defensive mechanisms including: camouflage, venom, body armor, behaviors, and other abnormal morphologies. This topic is interesting from an evolutionary/ecological point of view for several reasons. It provides insight into how reptiles have changed over time, shows how defensive mechanisms differ even within sub species, and shows the relationship between benefit and costs of producing the mechanism. In looking at these mechanisms we as humans can create potential benefits to ourselves. By examining how and why certain defensive mechanisms have developed we could predict how they may continue to change. We can examine how the environmental changes have influenced these evolutionary changes and determine if there needs to be outside interference. Potentially, certain defensive mechanisms could be studied and adapted to help defend humans: scales to body armor, infrared vision, etc. Also, if we are harmed by any of these defensive mechanisms we need to be prepared to heal ourselves (venom and anti-venom). So how do these mechanisms exist in the wild? Crypsis, or more commonly known as camouflage, is a way in which both predators and prey disguise themselves/ blend in with their environment. Not only is crypsis advantageous in defense or hunting situations, this mechanism is al... ... middle of paper ... ...A.S. (1991). Habits of 5 Brazilian Snakes with Coral-Snake Pattern, Including a Summary of Defensive Tactics. STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT, 26(3), 159-164. doi: 10.1080/01650529109360848 Sering, M. (1997). Tail squirting in Eurydactylodes: Independent evolution of caudal defensive glands in a diplodactyline Gecko (Reptilia, Gekkonidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger, 235(3-4), 225-229. Thermoregulation. 2013. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved November, 7, 2013 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermoregulation Yang, W., Chen, I.H., Gludovatz, B., Zimmermann, E.A., Ritchie, R.O., Meyers, M.A. (2013). Natural Flexible Dermal Armor, ADVANCED MATERIALS, 25(1), 31-48. doi: 10.1002/adma.201202713 Young, B.A., Boetig, M., Westhoff, G. (2009). Spitting behavior of hatching red spitting cobras (Naja pallida), HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL, 19(4), 185-191

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