Transcript Extreme Beaks! - Windows to the Universe

An Overview of Reptiles
Lizards, Snakes, Crocodilians, Turtles,
and Amphisbaenians - A beginning
look at how climate change is affecting
these species.
www.windows2universe.org
A Windows to the Universe presentation to
accompany the Disappearing Lizards activity
Changing Planet:
Disappearing Lizards
NBC Learn Video – Disappearing Lizards
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The Diverse Reptile Family Includes:
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An Iguana, a lizard, has 4 legs.
Lizards
Snakes
Crocodilians
Turtles
Amphisbaenia (worm lizards)
Tuatara
A worm lizard with no legs.
How are the distinct?
How are they the same?
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Where Do Reptiles Live?
Green sea turtles
live in the ocean
while snapping
turtles live in
freshwater lakes,
canals and ponds.
Most snapping
turtles do not live
on iphones (this is
simply to show the
baby’s size!).
• They are found on
every continent except
Antarctica.
• Reptiles can be found in
the African savannah
(ex: black mamba) to
the rainforests of the
Amazon (ex: green
anaconda), urban areas
(ex: geckos) to the coral
reefs of the ocean (ex:
sea turtles).
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Interesting Reptile Facts
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Largest living reptile is the saltwater crocodile -- 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) and 7 m (23 ft) long!
The most massive snake is the green anaconda of South America -- 5.21 m (18 ft) and
250 kg (550 lb)! The reticulated python of Asia can be over 10 feet longer, but is usually
much lighter than the anaconda.
The most venomous snakes in the world are actually found in the ocean (Belcher's Sea
Snake) and a few milligrams of its venom would be enough to kill 1,000 people.
There are some places in the world outside the poles where snakes are not found - e.g.,
Ireland and New Zealand! I guess these islands are just too far to swim to!
Meanwhile, people are trying to control invasive species like Burmese Pythons that have
proliferated in the Everglades, with over 300 being removed each year since 2008.
The Green Anole lizard has recently become the first reptile to have its complete genome
sequenced.
Snakes have some unlikely predators - hedgehogs, mongooses, peacocks, and even
some insects like aquatic beetles and praying mantises have been known to snack on a
snake or or its eggs at times!
Reptiles are Vertebrates
All reptiles have a
backbone. They share
this trait with mammals,
birds, amphibians
and fishes.
The American Museum of Natural History, where this photo
was taken, is a great place to learn about reptiles!
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As you can see in
this photo of a snake
skeleton and
crocodile skull,
reptiles can have
many more bony
features than just a
backbone!
Reptile Reproduction
• Some lay eggs and some
bear live young. Some
reptiles rear their young for a
time.
• Finding this Massasauga
Rattlesnake alone in
Michigan woods might be a
daunting find! It makes the
species seem a lot less
intimidating (and much more
maternal!) to see that this
mom has her tiny babies
basking in the sun with her
near their den.
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The Difference Between Reptiles
and Amphibians
newt
salamander
• Amphibians include newts and
salamanders, frogs and toads, and
caecilians. They are vertebrates and
they are ectothermic like reptiles.
• One major difference from
amphibians is that reptiles don’t
undergo metamorphosis - i.e., baby
lizards look like their parents, only
smaller. All reptiles breathe with
their lungs.
• Some reptiles live where it is dry, but
some much prefer aquatic
environments like alligators, turtles,
marine iguanas and sea snakes.
Reptiles are Ectothermic
Ectothermic is the
scientific name for
“cold-blooded” which
means reptiles control
their body's
temperature using
external means like
basking in the sun or
lying on a dark surface
to get warmer, or
seeking shade or
water to cool down.
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Reptiles Are Being Affected by
Climate Change
• Climate change affects many
reptiles because rising temperatures
mean these animals must retreat to
shade to find their perfect body
temperatures.
• So they have less time to forage for
food and find a mate for
reproduction.
• Global lizard populations are dying
at such a fast rate, that many
scientists think lizards do not have
enough time to adapt to the changes
in the warming climate.
Global maps of observed local extinctions in 2009,
and projections for 2050 and 2080 based on
geographic distributions of lizard families of the
world. Data – Dr. Barry Sinervo.
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Specifics about Alligator Lizards
• Can be up to foot long and have powerful jaws (thus their name).
• Are found in Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa - making it a model
animal to study.
• Have folds on sides can hold live young, eggs, or food!
• Can detach its tail as defense tactic (the writhing tail distracts
predator while tailless lizard runs away). Can regenerate tail!
• Have been found missing in Mexico where reproduction has shut
down due to increasing temperatures.
• The loss of these lizards can truly impact entire ecosystems,
especially up and down the food chain.
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Why Protect Reptiles?
• If reptiles disappear from an
ecosystem, this obviously
affects all of the predators (like
other reptiles or birds or
mammals) that feed on them.
• It affects the prey the reptiles
would catch like insects or
rodents (leaving these
populations unchecked).
• Climate change is affecting a
vital link in our ecosystems!
Reptiles and amphibians (like the top photo)
can be a source of wonder and amazement for
children and adults alike. All species, no
matter how “creepy crawly” should be
protected.
Reptile Defenses
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This ringneck snake coiled up showing its bright colored
belly, warning predators to stay away!
This garter snake, flattened itself to make itself
look as threatening as possible. It is not venomous,
but it can bite!
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Remember some basic
reptile safety - it is best to
leave any wild animal alone
if you happen to stumble
across it.
Many reptiles are very
docile and are not looking to
harm humans (or their pets),
but if they feel threatened,
they can make loud noises,
bite, musk, pee or poop to
defend themselves.
Some reptiles are
venomous. Others are not.
It can be hard to tell the
difference!
Copperheads are venomous. They
are experts in the camouflage department.
They are very docile, but might strike if stepped on.
Reptile Safety and Handling
• It's best to leave handling of
reptiles to the experts and
touch and experience these
beautiful creatures in the safe
environments of zoos, wildlife
preserves or nature centers.
Herpetology, or the study
of reptiles and
amphibians, can begin
at a very early age.
Education, of course,
is one of the best ways
to show people beauty
and value where once
there was misunderstanding
and fear.