Snakes have clear scales that cover and protect their eyes. Besides providing physical protection, scales also help prevent water loss. Some reptiles have chromatophores which perform rapid color changes to facilitate camouflage, communication, or thermoregulation. The large scutes on crocodiles’ backs act like solar panels. Crocs alter the blood flow to and from these areas to adjust the temperature throughout their bodies. Some snakes use the scales on their bellies to move in a straight line like caterpillars by gripping the ground or branches in a rectilinear fashion. Some reptiles have large scales in key spots that aid in defense.
This lesson is part of Certified Herpetological Guide. Enrollment is self-paced, with no deadline to finish (about 50 hours).
