Page 9 - Reptiles & Dinosaurs (Britannica Illustrated Science Library)

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