Tuatara: Living Fossils

The tuatara is a rare reptile found in New Zealand. It has traits unchanged for millions of years.

Anatomy:

Tuatara display a distinctive spiny crest running along their backs, and their teeth are fused to their jaw. Their “third eye” is located on the top of their head, though it does not function as a true light-sensitive eye. It likely helped in thermoregulation and navigating light changes in their environment. They have a slow metabolism, and their long lifespan makes them one of the longest-living reptiles. Their thick, scaly skin and slow movements are adaptations to the cool climate of New Zealand.

Evolution:

The tuatara belongs to an ancient order called Rhynchocephalia, which flourished around 250 million years ago. Its closest relatives, like Sphenodon, were widespread before the age of dinosaurs but are now restricted to the Island. Archaeological evidence places its ancestors in the Triassic period, with the tuatara remaining largely unchanged since then.

Interesting Facts

1. They are nocturnal 
2. Tuataras can live for over 100 years.
3. Despite their ancient lineage, tuataras are not closely related to lizards or snakes.