New Page 1

Jesus Christ Lizard
(Basilisk)
By: E. K.

Kingdom: Animalia

It's in this kingdom because it's multicellular.
It's a heterotroph.
Has special tissue.
Has organs.
Rapid movements.

Phylum: Chordata

Chordates contain a object called notochord, which is a rod that is extended most of the body when developed.
bilateral symmetry
segmented body and muscles
three germ layers and well-developed coelom
tail projecting beyond (posterior to) the anus at some stage of development
ventral heart, with ventral blood vessels, and closed blood system
complete digestive system
bony or cartilaginous endoskeleton usually present

Class: Reptila

The difference between a reptila and chordata, is Reptila have flaps of skin that help them in different ways.
Some have : Dry scaly skin, most clawed feet, long legs, and long tail.

Order: Squamata

The Jesus Christ Lizard is placed here because it is a reptile that has scales and is a reptile that is a omnivore. Squamata is also the largest order of reptiles.

Family: Iguaridae

Basilisk is placed here because it has a large number of species. It is placed in the family Ighuaridae.

Genius species: Basilicus and Basiliscus Vittatus

It's incredible that the Jesus Christ lizard can actually walk on water. From the phylum Chordata, the Jesus Christ Lizard is an invertabrate. The many characteristics of the Jesus Christ Lizard helps it to survive in it's habitat.

The Jesus Christ Lizard has many interesting characteristics. For example, they have sharp claws. This shows that Basilisks they can hold tight in hard places. Another example, is that they have flaps of skin between each toe. This shows that they are able to walk on water. In addition, they can turn camouflage. This shows that they can hide from predators. In conclusion, this lizard has many characteristics that make it special.

There are numerous reasons why the Jesus Christ lizard's habitat is good. For example, they can eat shrimp, scorpions, snakes, fish, birds, flowers, and fruit, which are near the banks of the water. This shows that it is easier for them to find food where they live than somewhere else. Another example, they need water, which they live near to. This shows that then they won't get dehydrated when they are right near water. In addition, they bed down in vegetation overhanging water. This shows that when they wake up they can dive on the water and look for safety. In conclusion, the Jesus Christ Lizard has a great habitat to live in for themselves. These many characteristics of this lizard helps it to survive in this habitat. We should be more aware of their habitat and not pollute it.

Fun Facts: This is a legend of the basilisk.

In Medevil mythology, the basilisk was called the king of the serpents. With his royalty, he was said to be endowed with a crest on his the head, like a crown. The basilisk could kill at a distance with a glance, was endowed with wings as well. It was also said that it could breathe fire.

Haiku

With long legs it runs,

skipping across the water,

the fierce Basilisk.

Works Cited

Myers, Philip. Kingdom Animalia. 14 Mar. 2000. Michigan State University. 16 Apr. 2003 <http://www.animaldiversity.com>.

Kingdom Cited at:

Myers, Philip. Kingdom Animalia. 14 Mar. 2000. Michigan State University. 16 Apr. 2003 <http://www.animaldiversity.com>.

Some information found by:

Muzzy, Catherine. Personal interview. 11 Apr. 2003.

Pictures:

Basilisk or Emerald Jesus Christ Lizard. 15 Mar. 2003. <http://http://www.danheller.com/images/LatinAmerica/CostaRica/Animals/Slideshow/img8.html>.

http://www.basiliscus.com/CaseStudy/WhyBasiliscus.html

Return to Index