- Pit vipers, pythons and some boas have infrared-sensitive receptors in deep grooves
between the nostril and eye. What role might such receptors play? - Name two adaptations of a crocodilian stomach which help it in digestion.
- The shape and structure of a turtle’s shell can give its inhabitant advantages for avoid-
ing predators, aid in swimming and diving, and for walking on land. Given what you
know about a turtle’s shell, explain how the structure and shape could help the turtle
in the above situations.
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition. Random House, New York, 1998.
- http://en.wikipedia.org
- http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Animals
- http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/lizards
- http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/explorations/lizards/index.htm
- http://www.turtles.org
- http://www.gma.org/turtles
- http://www.kidskonnect.com/content/view/54/27
- http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/cbd.html
- http://home.cfl.rr.com/gatorhole
Vocabulary
amniotes Vertebrates whose embryos are surrounded by an amniotic membrane.
nictitating membrane A third transparent eyelid.
oviparous Reproduction involving the laying of eggs.
parthenogenesis A form of asexual reproduction, where the egg develops without fertil-
ization.
pheromones Chemicals released by an animal that influence the behavior or physiology
of other individuals of the same species.
poikilothermic Cold-blooded; without the ability to independently warm the blood.
the codont Where teeth are set in bony sockets.