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Gecko: Difference between revisions
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'''Geckos''' are | '''Geckos''' are any of the species of [[lizards]] that belong to the taxonomic family '''Gekkonidae'''. A gecko's most important characteristic is its amazing footpads. They have attracted a lot of attention to the gecko, due to the amazing qualities that the foot possesses. Gecko's can easily climb onto walls and non-horizontal surfaces without the use of either glue or suction cups. They can do this due to the gripping power of the hairlike setae on their feet whose gripping strength has been attributed to van der Waals forces (although some believe it has to do with capillary action and hydrogen bonding). | ||
Another very real aspect of geckos in the modern world is that they are sold as pets in [[North America]]. Geckos can live up to 25 years. A very popular [[species]] of captive gecko is the [[Leopard Gecko]]. It has a calm demeanor and rarely bites, making for a perfect pet. | Another very real aspect of geckos in the modern world is that they are sold as pets in [[North America]]. Geckos can live up to 25 years. A very popular [[species]] of captive gecko is the [[Leopard Gecko]]. It has a calm demeanor and rarely bites, making for a perfect pet. | ||
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Geckos come in a variety of colors, for genetics and other different reasons. Some are born with the colors that they will have their entire lives. Some have adapted forms of camouflage, and some rely on chromataphores to rapidly change their colors as a form of protection. | Geckos come in a variety of colors, for genetics and other different reasons. Some are born with the colors that they will have their entire lives. Some have adapted forms of camouflage, and some rely on [[chromataphores]] to rapidly change their colors as a form of protection. | ||
Geckos do not have eyelids. They have a clear membrane over their eyes. These "membranes" are cleaned by the geckos themselves licking them with their long tongues [http://geckodude.com/shedding.htm]. | Geckos do not have eyelids. They have a clear membrane over their eyes. These "membranes" are cleaned by the geckos themselves licking them with their long tongues [http://geckodude.com/shedding.htm]. | ||
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She then lays small, sticky, hard eggs on virtually any surface. The female does not produce large litters like other reptiles. The female usually produces about two one-embryo eggs per pregnancy. The eggs are sticky at first, but harden after a short time. The female gecko will usually abandon her eggs. In some cases geckos have been recorded as eating their young after birth. | She then lays small, sticky, hard eggs on virtually any surface. The female does not produce large litters like other reptiles. The female usually produces about two one-embryo eggs per pregnancy. The eggs are sticky at first, but harden after a short time. The female gecko will usually abandon her eggs. In some cases geckos have been recorded as eating their young after birth. | ||
Some species are parthenogenic, the females capable of reproducing without copulating with a male. This improves the geckos' ability to spread to new islands. | Some species are [[parthenogenic]], the females capable of reproducing without copulating with a male. This improves the geckos' ability to spread to new islands. | ||
[http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/lizard/Gecko.shtml] | [http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/reptiles/lizard/Gecko.shtml] | ||
