The Texas horned lizard, Phrynosoma cornutum, is a species in the lizard family, Phrynosomatidae, which has ten genera and a diverse group of over 125 different species (Hammerson 2007; Cossel Jr. 1997). Lizards in this family can be found in Mexico, Panama, most areas of the United States and parts of Canada (Heying 2003). Phrynosomatids range in a variety of forms, but are most commonly distinguished by their small size (less than 10 cm long), rough and keeled scales, spikes on their bodies, and the fusion of the sides of their teeth to the sides of their inner jawbones, known as pleurodont teeth (Heying 2003). The thirteen species in the horned lizard genus, Phrynosoma, can be identified more specifically by their flattened bodies (similar to a toad), small and coarse dorsal scales, camouflaged markings, and a short head with two horns pointing towards their backs (Oklahoma 1996). Of all the Phrynosoma horned lizards, the Texas horned lizard has the largest body and is the most widely dispersed species (Wikipedia 2007).
The Texas horned lizard can be distinguished by a large flattened body, two large spines on their heads, two rows of fringed scales on their sides, keeled scales on their backs, abdomen, and sides, a white stripe down their back, and brown lines near their eyes (Pianka & Hodges 1995). It inhabits arid environments and preys on small insects, but primarily ants (Oklahoma 1996). The Texas horned lizard is most anatomically similar to the Australian thorny devil, (Moloch horridus), which is most likely due to convergent evolution (Pianka and Parker 1975). Both species of lizards have different phylogenies and lineages, but appear to share common morphological and ecological adaptations due to similar habitats and ...
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Without the horned lizard, the Saguaro desert would fall apart quickly. If you have ever heard someone say, “Hey look! There’s a horned toad!” they are really referring to a horned lizard. They have spines (spikes) to protect themselves from predators. These lizards move slowly, and are patient for their food. They eat mostly insects such as ants, and in the Saguaro desert, they eat kangaroo rats. There are 14 different species of horned lizards. They are different in some ways, but all of their colors resemble their surroundings, and it helps them to stay safer. Horned lizards can survive in many climates and temperatures. If it gets too hot, they burrow with their head sticking out at the surface of the ground. That way, it cools them down without having to go far. Conveniently they can stay in their home for the winter. They survive by burrowing in the ground and hibernating. Horned lizards mostly lay eggs, but for some species, the young are born alive. After the eggs are laid, the parents ...
Hyla versicolor, commonly know as the Gray Tree Frog or the Eastern Gray Tree Frog, is an amphibian that is referred to as the “Chameleon of the Frog world” (Craighead, 2004, p.1) because of its ability to change colors. “This frog was once thought to be the same species as the Cope’s Gray Tree Frog”. They can only be distinguished by their calls and the fact that the Cope Gray Tree Frog is diploid while the Gray Tree Frog is tetraploid (NPWRC, 2004). The Gray Tree Frog is classified as follows:
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Deinos, Greek for fearfully great; awe-inspiring and sauros meaning a lizard. From these words “Dinosaur” is created. When imagining a dinosaur, do thoughts of a large Tyrannosaurus Rex, a swift Velociraptor, or a gliding Pterodactyl appear? Or are those thoughts composed of an image of a small Compsognathus? Do visions of the dinosaurs that we often saw in our childhood come to mind? The amiable brightly colored friends in cartoons or the fearsome bloodthirsty experiments in movies? Were those dinosaurs portrayed accurately? There are features such as size that was changed to appeal more to popular media and for creativity. The Dilophosaurus is a dinosaur that became popular in the the public due to Michael Crichton’s novel “Jurassic Park”. Dilophosaurus means “Two crested lizard”. It was named this because of the two crests on it’s head.The Dilophosaurus in Jurassic Park, both in the movie and book, has a false depiction of size, abilities that no one can prove, and features which are unlikely.
Chameleons are reptiles that have been living on Earth for over 100 million years. Chameleon fossils date back to the Paleonzene period. Their fossils have been found in Africa, Europe and Asia. Over half of the species of the chameleons live in Madagascar (Raxworthy, 2004). Chameleons are in the Animal Kingdom and Chordata Phylum. They get their name from the Family they are grouped in called Chamaeleonidae. Chameleons are closely realted to iguanas and other lizards. Although they are similar, chameleons have unique features that distinguish them from other lizards. The most distinguishing feature of chameleons is their ability to change the color of their skin.
Fossil evidence suggests that the Cathartid (New World) vultures have been around for quite some time with two fossil species dated from the early Oligocene (about 35 million years ago). During the Pliocene and Pleistocene (about 2 million years ago) th...
An example of a cautionary tale regarding animals is seen in the textbook “Anansi, the Clever One” where the selfish spider Anansi learns the penalty of being selfish and conceited (Rosenberg, 15). While the Anansi stories depict a trickster, they
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Capable of accomplishing anything, my five-year-old self set out on a mission during the summer of 1996. Eager to begin my excursion, I woke up that morning and could not wait to get outside. “Today’s the day I’m going to prove to my brothers that I’m just as sneaky and fast as they are”, I said to myself. Each year, my brothers would always go outside and catch lizards (also known as Skinks), frogs, snakes, etc. all throughout the summer, but this year it’s my turn. Scoping out the best “lizard” places for weeks had finally built up my confidence enough that I finally felt ready for some action. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this day would soon be remembered and told throughout my family for years to come.