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The Tuatara are an endemic species of lizard found exclusively in New Zealand. Their body colouration is greenish-brown and grey. They grow to an adult length of around 31 inches (80 cm) from head to tail-tip, and can weigh up to 3lbs (1.3 kg).
See the related link to Wikipedia's excellent article on the species.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThey are the only chordate reptile of the order Sphenodontia. The two living species of Sphenodontia are the only living in this order. Their most recent common ancestors is the squamates (lizards and snakes) and therefore they are of great interest in the evolution of early diapsids which included birds, dinosaurs and crocodiles. Their features resemble birds, crocodiles and turtles rather than the standard lizard. Their dentition, in which two rows of teeth in the upper jaw overlap one row on the lower jaw, is unique among living species. They are further unusual in having a pronounced photoreceptive eye dubbed the "third eye", whose current function is a subject of ongoing research, but is thought to be involved in setting circadian (rhythm within about 24 hours) and seasonal cycles.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe Tuatara's bite will cause serious injury and if you get too close they will bite.
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Is a tuatara a fish?
No. The tuatara is a unique reptile which looks like a lizard but is not classified as a lizard.
What are two unusual animals unique to New Zealand?
The kiwi bird, and the tuatara, a reptile known as the 'living fossil'.
What animal group are tuatara in?
Tuatara are reptiles and, although lizard-like in appearance, they are not actually lizards. They are the only surviving members of the unique reptile group known as Sphenodontia, which are believed to have been around at the same time as the dinosaurs.
What do you call a baby tuatara?
There is no particular name for a baby tuatara. Newly hatched tuatara are called hatchlings, and tuatara that are not yet adult are simply called juvenile tuatara.
Is a tuatara a dragon?
No. Iguanas and tuatara are quite different species. Whilst both iguanas and tuatara are reptiles, the iguana is a type of lizard, whereas the tuatara is not classified as a lizard.
What Vertebrate group is the tuatara in?
The tuatara is a reptile.
Is Tuatara a dinosaur?
No. Tuataras are more closely related to lizards and snakes than to dinosaurs. Dinosaurs are more closely related to crocodiles and even more closely related to birds, which are their only living descendants.
How many species of the Tuatara are there?
There are only two species of tuatara: The Northern tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri) and the Brothers Island tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus).
Is a tuatara a mammal?
No, Rhynchocephalia is not a subset of Mammalia. The tuatara is a reptile.
When was Tuatara - comics - created?
Tuatara - comics - was created in 1977.
Which is faster ssc ultimate aero or ssc tuatara?
SSC Tuatara; 272 mph; Ultimate aero; 268mph. TUATARA WINS
Can you have a pet tuatara and why?
No. Tuatara are protected animals, and may not be kept as pets.
