The thorny dragon or thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is an Australian Lizard, grows up to 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, and it can live for 15 to 20 years.
The knob growing from the back of this ‘Thorny Devil’ dragon lizard acts as a 'false head' to confuse potential predators by dipping its real head. The way Thorny Devils drink water represents an amazing adaptation to life in the desert. Their body is covered in a system of tiny grooves or channels that run between their scales, and all the channels lead to the corners of their mouth.
2. Frilled Lizard
The Frilled Lizard is found mainly in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Its name comes from the large frill around its neck, which usually stays folded against the lizard's body. When threatened, these little guys have a secret weapon - they stand upright, open their mouth and spread their dramatic frill, and can even leap at their predators.
3. Porcupine
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| Image Credit : Alex Judd |
Porcupines have coat covered in quills that are like tiny needles with sharp tips and barbs on the ends. Their design allows them to pierce a predator’s skin easily. The hollow quills of its tail can be moved to make a very distinctive rattling noise to frighten it's predators.
4. Pangolins
Pangolins, often called "scaly anteaters", have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin. They are the only known mammals with this adaptation. When threatened they can curl up into a tight ball to protect themselves.
5. Chameleon
The Chameleon can change color rapidly. The primary purpose of this color change is to communicate with other chameleons, as well as controlling body temperature (changing to a darker color absorbs heat). Some species adjust their colors for camouflage in accordance with the vision of the specific predator species (bird or snake) by which they are being threatened.
6. Porcupine Fish
Porcupinefish have the ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air, thereby becoming rounder. This increase in size (almost double vertically) reduces the range of potential predators to those with much bigger mouths. A second defense mechanism is provided by the sharp spines, which radiate outwards when the fish is inflated.
7. Red Lionfish
The Red Lionfish has poison glands at the base of the spines of its dorsal, anal and pelvic fins. When faced with danger, the fish erects the dorsal fins and points the toxic spines toward the perceived or actual enemy.
8. Turtle Frog
Although strange to look at, this frog’s body shape helps it burrow forwards through sand, unlike most burrowing frogs that dig backwards. Their muscular limbs also help them break into termite mounds for food.
9. False Coral Snake
While toxins serve as a great aid in hunting and defense, their production requires a high energy expenditure by their owner. For this reason, many animals use toxic relatives for protection. The False Coral Snake imitates the appearance of venomous, or poisonous, coral snake species that shares its habitat.
10. Stalk-eyed fly
These flies have their eyes on stalks, which serve some very useful purposes. First, the eyes give the fly superior vision, even enabling the owner to peep around corners. Second, the stalk can be used as a weapon to push competitors away and, third, the longer the stalk and the more wide-set the eyes, the stronger the signal to female flies that this male is big and strong and genetically a good catch.
Reviewed by Vasanth
on
September 30, 2016
Rating:
