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How did the tuatara get its name?
Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) are reptiles endemic to New Zealand. Although resembling most lizards, they are part of a distinct lineage, the order Rhynchocephalia. Their name derives from the Māori language, and means “peaks on the back”.
What does the word tuatara mean in English?
tuatara in American English (ˌtuːəˈtɑːrə) noun. a large, primarily nocturnal, lizardlike reptile, Sphenodon punctatum, of islands near the coast of New Zealand: the only surviving rhynchocephalian.
What does a tuatara symbolize?
Tuatara are highly important to māori culture. The word “tuatara” is itself māori, meaning “peaks on back” (referring to the crest along its neck and back). Tuatara are regarded as “taonga” (treasure), viewed as guardians of knowledge, and sometimes associated with bad omens. Tuatara are frequently in the news.
What is the common name of tuatara?
Sphenodon punctatus
Integrated Taxonomic Information System – Report
| Taxonomic Rank: | Species |
| Synonym(s): | Sphenodon guntheri Buller, 1877 |
| Sphenodon punctatus reischeki Wettstein, 1943 | |
| Common Name(s): | Tuatara [English] |
| Taxonomic Status: |
Tuatara are the only surviving members of the order Sphenodontia. This order was well represented by many species during the age of the dinosaurs, some 200 million years ago. All species except the tuatara declined and eventually became extinct about 60 million years ago.
How is a tuatara different from a lizard?
The name “tuatara” is a Maori word meaning “peaks on back” or “spiny back.” Tuataras have no external ears as lizards do; they enjoy cooler weather, while lizards like it warm; and, unlike lizards, tuataras are nocturnal. But their most curious body part is a “third eye” on the top of the head.
Why is a tuatara not a lizard?
What family is the tuatara in?
Tuataras
Tuatara/Family
Why does the tuatara have a third eye?
They have a third eye. The parietal eye is only visible in hatchlings, as it becomes covered in scales and pigments after four to six months. Its function is a subject of ongoing research, but it is believed to be useful in absorbing ultraviolet rays and in setting circadian and seasonal cycles.
How much is a tuatara?
Aimed at supercars like the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Jesko, and the Hennessey Venom F5, the 2020 Tuatara features a V-8 engine that generates up to 1,750 horsepower and promises to hit a top speed in excess of 300 mph. The supercar costs more than $2 million and is limited to only 100 units.