They have two rows of teeth in the upper jaw overlapping one row on the lower jaw, which is unique among living species. They are able to hear, although no external ear is present, and have unique features in their skeleton. Tuatara are sometimes referred to as "living fossils". [8]

Nov 25, 2016 · Skeleton of a tuatara, reconstructed from CT scans. By Sophie Regnault with John Hutchinson and Marc Jones Sesamoid bones are specialised, typically small, bones found in tendons near to joints, with several unusual characteristics.

Skeleton: The vertebrae found in a tuatara spine resemble those in fish and some amphibians, rather than lizards. Their ribs have bony processes more typical of crocodiles than lizards. Male tuatara do not have a penis, whereas male lizards have 2.

Apr 18, 2021 · Skull of a Tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus, with bones colored and labelled to demonstrate skull anatomy. Digital dissection and scene by Jaimi Gray (oVert team). 3D model produced from a CT scan of a Texas Natural History Collections specimen (UF herp 11978).

By scanning our Tuatara specimens at the University of Florida we have been able to create digital versions of their skeletons, which can be viewed on a computer or turned back into physical objects using 3-D printing.

3D reconstruction of the skull and front legs of a tuatara. Tuataras are rare reptiles which once shared the earth with dinosaurs but are now only found in New Zealand. Some refer to them as "living fossils" as they are the last member of an ancient group of reptiles.

Available in 3 sizes: small OB-01, medium OB-02, and large OB-03. You can customize certain skulls you purchase by displaying them on the base most appropriate for the size of that skull. Intended for generally smaller skulls from our collection.

Comparisons with Sphenodon reveal that fundamental patterns of mandibular ontogeny and skeletal architecture in Sphenodon may have originated at least ~190Mya. In combination with recent findings, our results suggest strong morphological stability and an ancient origin of the modern tuatara morphotype.

Their lizard-like exterior (grey) hides unique skeletal anatomy (white) and even a clutch of eggs (yellow). Micro-computer tomography (CT) scanning was used to image this rare preserved tuatara and digitally dissect and study it without damaging the original. Horizontal width of image is …

Using high-resolution micro-CT scanning and distinct phylogenetic methods, we find overwhelming support for the new species as one of the earliest evolving and oldest members of the tuatara...