Discover the Shocking Truth: This Century-Old Reptile Isn’t Just a Lizard!

The tuatara is a fascinating reptile found only in New Zealand. Though it resembles a lizard, it belongs to a distinct evolutionary branch. A 2020 study in Nature revealed that tuataras boast one of the largest genomes among vertebrates. They separated from lizards around 250 million years ago, making them a living link to ancient times.

Tuataras belong to the order Rhynchocephalia, which thrived during the Jurassic Period. While lizards and snakes evolved into the group Squamata, the tuatara stands alone today, surviving in New Zealand’s unique ecosystems. Fossils of their relatives have been found across ancient regions like Africa and South America, showcasing a rich history that makes their survival even more remarkable.

One of the standout features of tuataras is their enormous genome. This genetic makeup contributes to their slower growth. Tuataras take about 15 to 20 years to reach reproduction age, which is much longer than most reptiles. Their unique anatomy includes more ribs and distinct skull structures that further differentiate them from lizards.

When it comes to reproduction, tuataras have a peculiar method. Unlike many reptiles with external organs, male tuataras engage in a “cloacal kiss,” where they press their cloaca against the female’s to transfer sperm. This is complemented by unique behaviors, like the male using his hind legs to hold onto the female during mating. Their eggs have a long incubation period of 12 to 15 months, ensuring that the young emerge well-developed.

Another interesting aspect of tuataras is their “third eye,” known as the parietal eye. Located on the top of their heads, it helps regulate light sensitivity, which may influence their sleep cycles. While not visible in adults, it can sometimes be seen in hatchlings. Other reptiles and some fish also share this feature, providing an adaptive advantage for survival.

Today, tuataras face challenges. Although classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are considered “at risk” by local authorities due to declining populations. Introduced predators, such as rats, severely threaten tuatara eggs and young. There are approximately 55,000 tuataras remaining, mostly on predator-free islands. Climate change poses an additional risk, as rising temperatures could disrupt their sex ratios, leading to potential extinction risks. As noted by researchers, these changes could skew populations, creating male-dominated groups that struggle to thrive.

This ancient reptile highlights the delicate balance between evolution and environmental pressures. With ongoing conservation efforts, we hope to see tuataras continue to thrive in their natural habitat.

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