Hobbies And Interests
Scientific Classification
Geckos are classified in their own family, Gekkonidae. In this family are three subfamilies, 80 genera and over 600 species. Approximately 75 percent of geckos are nocturnal, which is usually indicated by a set of narrow, vertical pupils. Many of the geckos also have fused eyelids, like a snake, and a long forked tongue, which can clean them. All geckos are characterized by flattened bodies, short necks and wide flat heads. Also prominent among this group of lizards are adhesive toes that allow the gecko to walk on vertical walls and even ceilings.
Size
Geckos vary in size from less than an inch to just over a foot. In fact, the smallest reptile in the world is the dwarf gecko, Jaragua sphaero, which usually measures three-quarters of an inch. This tiny animal is native to the Dominican Republic. The largest gecko is called the tokay, Gekko gecko. It ranges from India to Australia and can reach 14 inches in length. The tokay feeds on small rodents and may become aggressive if cornered. Of special note is the flying gecko, Ptychozoon kuhli, of Malaysia, which has stretched skin and can actually glide from tree to tree.
Cloning
Some geckos are capable of cloning offspring from the one female parent. This unusual phenomena, especially among vertebrates, has been observed and studied among the Bynoe's gecko. This Australian species is not only capable of producing viable offspring from a female parent, but the new generations seem to outperform the adults in most physical activities.
The Unusual Tail
The tail of the gecko is used to store food and water, but the small animal can shed its rear appendage if attacked or even threatened. Even stranger is the fact that the tail will keep moving after it is separated from the main body of the gecko. This feat is caused by the tightening of muscles in the tail. Eventually, the gecko grows back a new tail but it usually is smaller than the original.