Tuatara
The most ancient type of Reptile
that is still alive today
Tuatara
• Tuatara belongs to class Sauropsida
• There is only one species that belongs to
Tuatara, the Sphenodon
• It is the last remaining relative of an
ancient groups of reptiles called
Sphenodontia (hence the name
Sphenodon)
Sphenodon
Sphenodon
Tuatara, the Sphenodon
• Tuatara is believed to be a direct line from
the extinct Archosauramorpha
Tuatara
• Most of the Sphenodon’s relatives died 60
MYA. The Sphenodon has not changed at
all in the past 225 million years, therefore
it is known as a “living fossil”
Tuatara
• Many people confuse Tuatara with lizards.
They look the same, but they are not.
• Can you think of any differences?
Tuatara vs. Lizards
• Tuatara:
• Lizards
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Nocturnal
Loose scales, soft to the touch
Pineal gland
Variable body temperaturesable to live in colder temps
Active during the day
Scaly, hard skin
No pineal glad
Body temperatures are more
dependent on the environment
Tuatara vs. Lizards
• Tuatara
• Lizards
• Non-visible ear
opening
• No penis
• Very specialized teeth
arrangement
• Visible ear opening
• Has a penis
• Regular rows of teeth