Engraving Of A Tuatara
by George Bernard/science Photo Library
Title
Engraving Of A Tuatara
Artist
George Bernard/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Tuatara. 1896 engraving of a tuatara, a rare species of reptile sometimes called a living fossil". The tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) is the only surviving species of the Rhynchocephalia, an ancient order of reptiles that was widespread in the era of the dinosaurs. Fossil evidence suggests that the tuatara's basic body plan has remained unchanged for 200 million years. The species is restricted to a few tiny islands near mainland New Zealand. Adults measure up to 65cm in length and are most active at twilight or night, feeding on insects, worms and snails. With an optimum body temperature of only 12 degrees C the tuatara has the lowest requirement for warmth of all reptiles."
Uploaded
September 25th, 2018
Embed
Share
Comments
There are no comments for Engraving Of A Tuatara. Click here to post the first comment.