540
edits
New Mexico whiptail lizard: Difference between revisions
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
Jump to navigationJump to search
→Introduction
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
<ref name=site-or-author/> | <ref name=site-or-author/> | ||
If you are looking for a species that exerts female independence and avoids the typical male-female gender roles, this | If you are looking for a species that exerts female independence and avoids the typical male-female gender roles, this one is for you! The New Mexico Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus neomexicanus) is a fascinating ''all female'' species that relies strictly on auto-reproduction (parthenogenesis, which is the development of an egg without fertilization) . Whiptail lizards received their name from their long, whiplike tails.<ref name=State_Symbols>[http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/New_Mexico/reptilewhiptaillizard.html New Mexico Whiptail Lizard] ''State Symbols USA''. Web. Accessed February 4, 2015. Unknown Author.</ref> | ||
The New Mexico whiptail lizard) was made the official state reptile of New Mexico in 2003.<ref name=State_Symbols/> | The New Mexico whiptail lizard) was made the official state reptile of New Mexico in 2003.<ref name=State_Symbols/> | ||
This species of lizard is found in the Southern United States (Arizona and New Mexico) and parts of northern Mexico(Chahuahua)[2]. Prior to 1998, the whiptail lizard had not been known to occur in Arizona. Discovery of this unique and small population occurred near the Puerco Ruins at Petrified Forest National Park[3]. | This species of lizard is found in the Southern United States (Arizona and New Mexico) and parts of northern Mexico (Chahuahua)[2]. Prior to 1998, the whiptail lizard had not been known to occur in Arizona. Discovery of this unique and small population occurred near the Puerco Ruins at Petrified Forest National Park[3]. | ||
Behavior: These lizards are constantly in motion. They are known for running upright on their hind legs, which makes them look like miniature dinosaurs. They swivel their | Behavior: These lizards are constantly in motion. They are known for running upright on their hind legs, which makes them look like miniature dinosaurs. They swivel their head frequently from side to side, tasting the air with their slender, fork tongues.<ref name=State_Symbols/> | ||
The Whiptail is considered by experts to be an" alert, diurnal, fast-moving ground-dweller; that is most active in the mid-morning and late afternoon; hibernating during the cold months of winter and late fall" [3]. | The Whiptail is considered by experts to be an " alert, diurnal, and fast-moving ground-dweller; that is most active in the mid-morning and late afternoon; hibernating during the cold months of winter and late fall" [3]. | ||
== Body Design == | == Body Design == | ||
