Page 8 - Reptiles & Dinosaurs (Britannica Illustrated Science Library)

NAGA RASSA MASK Feared and
This mask is used during
popular festivals in Sri
Lanka to frighten evil
spirits. In Asian cultures,
nagas represent sacred
serpents.
is to reveal, in detail, what reptiles are
Worshipped
ecause of their frightening
appearances, snakes, dragons, and
B crocodiles are found in the legends
and myths of peoples throughout the world.
In sculptures, paintings, and masks used for
various ceremonies, many of these animals
are represented as good or bad gods
or are associated with magical
powers. The snake is usually linked
to the primordial waters from
which life was created. In Asia, it is
said that nagas (sacred serpents)
are descended from Kasyapa, the
father of all life. Consequently, it is
common during popular festivals for
both men and women to dance disguised
with masks that represent these
animals in order to frighten away evil
spirits and seek protection. Certain
Papuan peoples believe that
crocodiles have special powers,
and in Europe, mythical winged
dragons that breathe fire are
viewed as the guardians of
treasures. Throughout
history, these animals
have been both feared
and respected,
objects of
fascination and
passion. The
purpose of
this book
than their own bodies. Stealthy,
really like. Here you will find clear, precise
information about the appearance and
behavior of reptiles, including dinosaurs—a
group of reptiles that dominated the globe
for millions of years. This fascinating book,
which features specially prepared
illustrations and images, will reveal details
about these creatures as if they were alive
on these pages.
id you know that reptiles were the
first vertebrates to become totally
D independent of aquatic
environments? This was made possible by
the emergence of the amniotic egg. Its
shell and membranes enabled reptilian
young to develop on land without the need
to return to water. Today there are about
8,200 classified species of reptiles in a
wide variety of shapes and sizes. These
species include turtles, lizards, snakes,
crocodiles, and tuataras. Clues about the
lives of many of these animals can be
found by examining their feet. Different
species use their feet to scale walls, climb
slender stalks, or run across loose, hot
sand dunes. Some reptiles live
underground, while others prefer the
surface. Since their body temperature is
variable, reptiles tend to spend many
hours in the sun exposed to direct solar
rays and infrared radiation released from
heated surfaces.
ith their long, narrow bodies,
snakes are different from all
W other reptiles because they have
long spines with many vertebrae. Although
they cannot hear in the way mammals do,
they can detect low-frequency vibrations
in the soil that reveal the presence of
predators or prey. Most snakes are
carnivorous and can eat objects larger
undulating crawling, sudden color
changes, and oversized jaws are other
identifying characteristics of reptiles—
amazing animals with extraordinary traits
that have enabled them to survive for
millions of years.
ach page of this book will help you
to become familiar with these
E creatures that are so different
from humans. Some of them give birth to
completely developed young. They are
not born fragile and immature,
dependent on their parents to feed and
take care of them, as most mammals are.
Reptile species also vary widely in the
types of scales they have. Their scales
may have defensive knobs and spines, as
is the case with the tails of some lizards,
or they may form crests along their
necks, backs, or tails.
lthough snakes are some of the
most commonly feared animals,
A only one out of ten is dangerous.
Few people know that snakes are timid
creatures that prefer to stay hidden. Most
snakes will never attack unless they feel
threatened and use warning mechanisms
and behaviors before attacking.
Unfortunately, others are poisonous—so
most snakes are hated and persecuted.
The process of learning more about them
and learning to identify the really
dangerous ones may help us to keep them
from disappearing. Many reptile species
today are in danger of extinction because
of indiscriminate hunting and habitat
destruction. Not only ecologists but all
people must be concerned about their
welfare, helping to ensure that they
continue to be part of life on Earth.