5 reptile species with unbelievable ways of staying alive
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These aren't just random quirks– they're smart adaptations that show how wildlife finds ways to deal with whatever nature throws at them.
Here are a few reptiles that have evolved in ways that are not only unexpected but honestly, kind of mind-blowing.
The lizard that runs on water
Yes, it sounds like something out of a movie– but there's a lizard that can actually dash across the surface of water. Found in tropical forests, this little reptile uses speed and wide feet to literally run over ponds and streams when it needs to get away fast.
It's not magic– it's a survival move, and it works.
Gliding through trees like it's nothing
Some reptiles don't just crawl or climb– they fly (well, sort of). Certain tree-dwelling lizards in Southeast Asia have skin flaps between their ribs that let them glide from one branch to another. Even wilder? Some snakes have figured out how to flatten their bodies and glide too. No legs, no wings– just pure adaptation. It's their way of staying off the ground and away from danger.
The
Komodo dragon
's hidden weapons
The Komodo dragon might already look intimidating because of its massive size, but there's more to this reptile than just appearance. It has venom glands in its lower jaw that release toxins capable of lowering blood pressure, causing massive bleeding, and preventing clotting in its prey. Combined with its powerful bite and sharp, serrated teeth, this makes it a highly efficient hunter.
The horned lizard's clever defenses
Out in North America, the horned lizard blends in almost perfectly with its surroundings.
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Its spiky skin helps protect it, and its natural colouring makes it hard to spot in the wild. If a predator still comes too close, it has another trick– it puffs up its body to look bigger.
The thorny devil's desert survival hacks
Living in the dry deserts of Australia isn't easy, but the thorny devil makes it work. It's covered in spikes– not just for defense, but also to help collect water. Any dew or rain it comes into contact with flows along its skin straight to its mouth. Plus, it's got a fake head on its neck to distract predators.
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