Ontogeny |
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Very little is known about the development of the ability
to squirt blood in young lizards. Scientists have focused their studies
of this strange behavior on adult horned lizards. However, we do know
that this behavior, as well as the other defense mechanisms, are not
learned behaviors, but are genetically programmed defense mechanisms.
[15]
Horned lizards provide no parental care for their young. Some
species, primarily those that live in colder, higher altitude
environments, give birth to live young, while other species bury their
eggs in the sand. Immediately upon birth or hatching, the young burrow
into the sand and are left to their own resources for survival. Once
they emerge from the sand, the young begin to hunt for their own food
and are at risk of predation. The young are born with obvious cranial
horns, though there bodies remain relatively smooth for some time. It
is not clear at what age the young develop the ability to squirt blood
as a means of defense, but by the age of two they reach young adulthood
and by three are fully grown. [6]
[10] [2] [3] |