The Weird World of Reptiles

Just Like Humans, they will Change Their Appearance to Attract Mates

by Keyshawn Webster, age 13

Unlike other species in the animal kingdom, reptiles often change their appearance in order to attract or distract other animals. Some do this by flashing colors, others do it by popping out or expanding their extra skin.
The king cobra is a master when it comes to making themselves look scarier. They use their extra skin stretched from around their ribs to form a hood around their neck. They do this to attract mates or to make themselves look fierce in the face of their enemies.
The frilled lizard is another animal that uses its skin to its advantage. When approached by a predator it unfolds a flap of skin from its neck. They do this to seem bigger and more intimidating. The frilled lizard is commonly found in Australia and New Guinea. The frill is around its neck and can be up to 10 inches across, which is nearly half the size of its body length.
Unlike the king cobra and the frilled lizard, the monitor lizard does not use its skin to attract mates or look fierce. Male monitor lizards have a unique competitive approach when it comes to getting noticed by the opposite sex. When mating season begins, the males compete to win the females. They stand up on their hind legs and wrestle. They do this until the weakest one gives up, and the winning male gets the female.
Reptiles are very interesting creatures and live in many types of habitats. They, like humans, do many different things to attract mates and ward off enemies. Each individual creature has its own way of adapting to their environment. Therefore, they will be ready for whatever nature throws their way.

[Source: 100 things you should know about Reptiles & Amphibians ]