Leaf-tailed geckos, Uroplatus sp., are true masters of camouflage, using skin flaps and frills to disguise the outline of their body and a leaf-shaped tail to convince predators that their body is just another part of the landscape. Lizards and snakes easily disappear into their environment using a host of amazing skin patterns and textures. With its 2 ¼ inch fangs, the venomous Gabon viper, Bitis gabonica, has no problem shifting each jaw independently to work its food further down its throat. This evolutionary marvel allows a gecko to efficiently chomp insects and a python to swallow a pig whole. Rather than hinging on a single point like the jaws of their primitive ancestors, the flexible jaws of squamates hinge from multiple points to allow for greater manipulation of prey and a faster, more powerful bite. One adaptation that truly sets squamates apart from other reptiles is a highly specialized hinge in their jaw. Most produce amniotic or fluid-filled eggs that resist desiccation on land. They are “ectothermic,” obtaining their body heat from the surrounding environment, and they possess keratinous scales derived from an outgrowth or thickening of the epidermis. All are vertebrate lung breathers from birth. Lizards and snakes share many characteristics with their reptilian brethren-the turtles and tortoises, the crocodilians, and the tuatara. Both revered and despised by humans across the planet, few animal groups elicit such strong human emotions as these remarkable creatures. Surviving for 200 million years, they are some of the most successful vertebrates on Earth, occupying important biological niches in all but the coldest environments. The order Squamata, or scaled reptiles, includes over 7,000 species of lizards and snakes, making them an even more diverse group than mammals. As the students excitedly asked question after question, it was apparent that this was a small price to pay to instill appreciation and respect for this ancient group of reptiles. Finnan/AMNH While lecturing on the physiology of squamates (lizards and snakes) to a visiting group of students, the seven-foot boa constrictor I was holding adeptly demonstrated the recurved teeth it uses to grasp its prey.Īs six rows of needle-like teeth pierced the skin of my forearm, I couldn’t help but appreciate the power, speed and efficiency of a snake bite.įortunately for me, the snake was more annoyed than hungry. The Museum also maintains two satellite facilities near Houston: The George Observatory in Fort Bend County, which houses one of the largest telescopes in the country that is available for public viewing and The Woodlands Xploration Station, in Montgomery County, which has exhibits on dinosaurs, mineralogy, live insects, and more.ĭ. The Museum presents traveling exhibitions as well, one of which, “Lizards and Snakes: Alive!” featured more than sixty live snakes and lizards. The Museum houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham IMAX® Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and more than a dozen permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy, space science, Native Americans, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, seashells, Texas wildlife, and more. Founded in 1909 to “enhance in individuals the knowledge and delight in natural science and related subjects,” the Houston Museum of Natural Science carries out that mission in every project, program, and exhibition. Members of any of our partner organizations receive Natural History as a benefit of their museum membership. The following story is contributed by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of Natural History magazine’s Museum Partners.

Rhinoceros viper amniotic egg