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  Sphenodontia - a living fossil  

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Uploaded: 10/06/08 12:28 AM GMT
Sphenodontia - a living fossil
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This is a Tuatara - and it is not a lizard. . . . "Tuatara are rare, medium-sized reptiles (adults ranging from about 300g to 1000g) found only in New Zealand. They are the only extant members of the Order Sphenodontia, which was well represented by many species during the age of the dinosaurs, some 200 million years ago. All species apart from the tuatara declined and eventually became extinct about 60 million years ago. Tuatara are therefore of huge international interest to biologists and are also recognised internationally and within New Zealand as species in need of active conservation management." . . . They live for 60 - 100 years.Tuatara have a third eye on top of the brain between the visible other eyes. Although this eye has no vision, it is light sensitive. A fascinating creature and easy enough to photograph as they don't move much :) This was taken from a distance so clarity not good. Tuatara means ‘spiny back’ in Maori.

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::Dunstickin
10/06/08 2:56 PM GMT
I thought the title meant something different!!

I would have liked to have seen a bit more of this animal...A bit too much frame!...A third eye eh!....A certain person on here will love this then!...

Nice shot and thanks for the information!

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* To Believe in myself and have faith in my Photography * OwdBob'sGallery
::cynlee
10/06/08 3:22 PM GMT
Even at a distance, the caputure shows lots of his fine characteristics. The narrative explains so much more about the species and was enjoyable to read alongside the image. A creature I have never heard of before and I'm glad they are trying to keep them from becoming extinct. Your framing on this is truly impeccable, Eve. The earth tones and the black shadow make this Tuatara stand out from the page. Faved.
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"Take it upon yourselves to be more forthright in your comments"* *Les (&purmusic)
.Inkeri
10/06/08 3:38 PM GMT
Fascinating and Fantastic animal..Never heard before,thank you for the info..Fine capture,Eve.Faved.
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::Marzena
10/06/08 4:27 PM GMT
Lovely elegant animal and very elegant solid framing, dear Eve !!!! 10/10 in VB now !
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With all my love and respect, Marzena
::0930_23
10/06/08 5:37 PM GMT
I never realized there was still a link to that era. Great shot and information Lyn.

Tick
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I'll meet you at the edge of the sunlight, just behind the shadows. Anyone who does not like clouds, does not like to dream. The Ghost
.corngrowth
10/06/08 6:04 PM GMT
Reading your narrative, think it's not strange Lyn by saying that I've never seen such an animal before.
Very informative (both capture and story!). Thanks for sharing it.
Regards, Cornelius.
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Better a good amateur than a bad professional. This amateur was here! Don't however say that I'm a good one (lol). Click HERE to see my work!
.muki7
10/06/08 7:23 PM GMT
A great capture and narrative Lyn. Nice work on the frame also.

Ed
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After 50 years of photography I shoot for memories not perfection
.Ramad
10/06/08 9:34 PM GMT
He looks very similar to a chameleon except for his "crocodile skin". Great image and thanks for the info, Lyn.
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
::Hottrockin
10/06/08 10:00 PM GMT
Not sumpin' I'd wanna curl up next to, but, a cute lil fella!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round??
.scorpie
10/06/08 10:05 PM GMT
Fascinating, nice post.
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Why not go out on a limb, that is where the fruit is.... Frank Scully
.gabriela2006
10/06/08 11:55 PM GMT
a stunning capture and presentation...thanks also for the info:)
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::RKG
10/07/08 2:13 AM GMT
Liking the wider framing. Is working well with your captures. Of course you always have the eye for what looks good together. Keep them coming Lyn.
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::nigelmoore
10/08/08 7:16 AM GMT
Now I never knew that. How fascinating. I wonder what the third eye is for....I looked this thing up and apparently they also have two rows of upper teeth and are the only animal that does. Great shot of him too LE especially if it was from a distance.
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"A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
::cctruckee
10/08/08 9:07 AM GMT
Fascinating creature, beautifully captured! He just blends in so well with his background. Nice shot.
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~ cc de leo 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'

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