The 3-Eyed Tuatara: New Zealand’s Living Fossil
Amazing Facts : The 3-Eyed Tuatara – Strange Facts About New Zealand’s Ancient Creature
Much easier than spotting any other reptile, the tuatara can be found in New Zealand and is easily recognisable by the distinct parietal eye on the top of its head. While many call it the ‘living fossil reptile’, it is much more than that. Having survived 200 million years, it was once part of a class of reptiles that roamed Earth during the time of the dinosaurs.
The Tuatara’s Mysterious Third Eye
Newborn tuataras are and will always be unique in their possession of a third eye, a feature that is characteristic of adults as well. Parietal eyes have lenses, retinas, and nerve connections to the brain, which makes them truly fascinating, Parietal eyes are covered by scales as the tuatara grows, which is why they disappear. ‘Scientists think during its diurnal phases, the tuatara grows taller and expresses seasonal behaviors which he has dominant and submissive phases.
It’s not an eye in the conventional sense of the word. Rather, it is a highly sensitive light detection and measuring apparatus. This trait is the reason behind the moniker 3-eyed tuatara.
More Amazing Tuatara Facts
Though outwardly similar to lizards, the tuatara is not one. It is the sole surviving member of the order Rhynchocephalia, which is otherwise extinct. The tuatara lives a more leisurely life as evidenced by:
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They can stay alive for more than 100 years.
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Their lengthy incubation periods of 12-15 months, which is the longest among reptiles.
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The ability to remain active in colder climates, which is a rarity among reptiles.
Conservation and Survival
Ever since the arrival of rodents, tuataras have had an extremely difficult time trying to survive. Currently, they are extremely well taken care of and live under tuatara conservation policies within strongholds and on offshore islands. They are still an invaluable part of New Zealand.
Why the Tuatara Still Matters
Beyond an ancient reptile, the tuatara is a contradiction in evolution and living fossils and has a third eye; it is is a testament to the fact that the weirdest and oldest beings on our planet still exist and hold within them stories from ages that are incomprehensible.
Thus, whenever you next hear of a “three-eyed being”, keep in mind, there are no need to go to science fiction; it is the astounding 3-eyed tuatara of New Zealand.
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