What is a tuatara?
Quick Answer
A tuatara is a reptile from New Zealand that is the only living member of an ancient lineage called Rhynchocephalia.
The Full Story
Tuatara are often called living fossils because they represent a very old reptile lineage that was once much more diverse. They look somewhat like lizards, but they are not true lizards and have distinct anatomical features, including a unique skull structure and a slow metabolism. Tuatara live naturally only in New Zealand, where they are protected. They are known for their long lifespan, slow growth and unusual parietal eye, a light-sensitive structure on the top of the head in young individuals.
Key Facts
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"The reptile that survived from the age of dinosaurs"
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