What is tuatara? Discuss in detail.
MEANING; Tuatara name derived from maori language and means "peak on the back".
DEFINITION; It is a notcturnal burrowing lizard like reptile with a crest of soft spine along it's back.
Body of tuatara.
(1) COLOUR: Tuatara are greenish brown grey in colour.
(2)MEASUREMENT
(i);80cm from head to tail.
(ii); weight UpTo 1.3 kg.
(3)TEETH
- They have unusual teeth that can't be replaced.
- Tuataras have single row of teeth on the lower jaw and a double row of teeth on the upper jaw.
- The bottom row fitting between the two upper row when mouth is closed.
- It is a tooth arrangement not seen in any other reptile.
(4)SCIENTIFIC NAME
The scientific name of Tuatara is "SPHENODON"
(5)DIET They eat mostly insects especially beetles but have been known to eat lazards,Birds and bird eggs.
(6)REPRODUCTION.
- Tuatara reproduce very slowly.
- It takes 10 to 20 year to reach sexual maturity.
(7) HABITAT. Tuatara are carnivorous eating invertebrate,lazards ,small tuataza etc.
(8) LIFE SPAN. The tuatara average life span is about 60 percent but thy probably life Upto 100 year.