Gharial
(Gavialis gangeticus)
also known as a gavial or a fish-eating crocodile. is a crocodilian of the genus Gavialis and is the sole living representative of it’s genus.. for now. as is it is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. they can be found in northern India and parts of Pakistan. they can grow up to 16ft (largest ever recorded was 23 ft) and weigh up to 550 lb. they are easily recognized by their long snout and laterally flattened tail. they are also the only known crocodile to exhibit visible sexual dimorphism other than size, as males have a growth on their long snout and females do not. also unlike other crocodiles gharials do not eat humans and are very sensitive and intimidated by humans, and their and fragile jaws physically cannot eat a large animal such as a human.
Phylogeny
Animalia-Chordata-Reptilia-Crocodilia-Gavialidae-Gavialis
countershade: Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardarlis)
Panther Chameleons are one of 160 species of chameleon that are found in all kinds of habitats, from mountainous and tropical rainforest to deserts and savannah. As evidenced above, sexual dimorphism is prominent in this particular species, with males being up to twice as large and far more vibrant than their generally tan female counterparts. A common misinterpretation is that a chameleon solely changes colour to match that of his surroundings - it also has functions in social signalling, as a reaction to environmental pressures and even thermoregulation.
The Panther Chameleon is often named after the region it is found in, and each region tends to produce chameleons of a certain colour - Nosy Be chameleons, for example, are typically a striking blue, whilst Tamatava individuals are primarily red. Like all other chameleons, F. pardarlis has distinctive eyes that are able to move independently of one another, with only the pupil of each eye exposed. Their tongues are often longer than their bodies. When females are carrying eggs, they turn darker in order to deter potential males, and because of the stress that egg laying puts on their bodies, they only live 2-3 years after laying 5-8 clutches. Which is super sad.
