reptile
What 'Jurassic Park' got wrong about venomous dinosaurs
Science Ask Us Anything What'Jurassic Park' got wrong about venomous dinosaurs And what did'Spinosaurus' really do with that sail? Dilophosaurus didn't have a frill or spit venom. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. We all know dinosaurs were scary. While not strictly a dinosaur, the ancient shark was four times longer than the biggest great white. Now, imagine one of those big bad dinos had venom. That'd be the last thing we need, but it very well could've been a reality. In a new episode of's Ask Us Anything podcast, we dig into the fossil record to see just how likely a venomous dinosaur would've been.
Don't pick up frozen iguanas
Environment Animals Wildlife Don't pick up frozen iguanas When the temperatures drop, so do Florida's iguanas. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. In Florida, giant invasive pythons, the state's signature alligators, and bears that sometimes roam around theme parks are typically among the most upfront wildlife in the news. But when the temperatures drop, one reptile stands ready to take the limelight and also drop-- iguanas . When air temperatures get cold enough, the reptiles will get stunned (or freeze) and fall from trees.
Anacondas have been huge for over 12 million years
The snakes behind the blockbuster are megafauna throwbacks. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. At roughly the length of a small school bus, anacondas are famously some of the world's largest snakes. Now fossil evidence proves that these enormous reptiles are also glimpses of an ancient world. According to a study published on December 1st in the, anacondas reached their maximum length around 12.4 million years ago--and have remained giants ever since.
Were there any venomous dinosaurs?
Were there any venomous dinosaurs? There's been speculation, but no solid proof. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. It's one of the most memorable scenes in the original movie: the dinosaur spreads the frill around its neck and sprays deadly venom from its jaws. The frill (inspired by Australia's frilled lizard) is pure Hollywood fantasy.
Trafficked turtles get a second chance at life in New Jersey sanctuary
The Turtle Conservancy is rescuing reptiles, while preserving their precious DNA. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Nestled in rural New Jersey's rolling hills, a top secret animal sanctuary is keeping its occupants safe. The oasis is not for the official state animal (the horse) or even birds rescued from the Jersey shore. This hidden refuge belongs to turtles and tortoises.
Reptile 'pee crystals' might help treat kidney stones and gout
Science Biology Evolution Reptile'pee crystals' might help treat kidney stones and gout Researchers studied urate solids from over 20 snake and lizard species. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. It may come as a surprise, but not all animals pee . While almost every living organism possesses an excretory system, most reptiles don't eliminate excess nitrogen-containing waste in the form of liquid urine . Instead, they rid themselves of the chemicals by expelling them in the form of crystalline solids called urates.