Origin of Reptiles: The origin of reptiles is well suited to maintain life on land. Many features show a considerable advance in this respect over the Amphibia. These are the: (i) Dryness of the skin, (ii) Reproduction, and (iii) Devices for economising the use of water. Reptiles have a dramatic evolution. They had an obscure beginning in the Palaeozoic, they [...]
There are 11 species of the genus Uromastix inhabiting the desert regions of North Africa and North-Western Asia. Only one species, Uromastix hardwickii, is represented in India. It is found almost throughout North-Western India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) and Gujarat. It has not been reported from South India. It is also found in Sindh and Baluchistan in Pakistan. The [...]
The respiratory system of Uromastix consists of two main portions, viz., respiratory tract and respiratory organs. Respiratory Tract: The respiratory tract starts from the external nares. These are a pair of small oval apertures on the snout slightly above the mouth. On its inner side each naris possesses a prominent swelling of mucous membrane which serves as a valve to [...]