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theHandpuppet

(19,964 posts)

10. This is the kind of thing I'm talking about

Reply to theHandpuppet (Reply #6)

Mon Oct 28, 2013, 06:57 AM

Oct 2013

http://www.eplantscience.com/index/general_zoology/deflecting_an_attack.php

"The shingleback skink, a lizard of Australia, also uses this tactic. Its stumpy head and tail look nearly identical. A predator that grabs the wrong “head” will be surprised to see the skink scurry off in the opposite direction."

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Highlight:

'Lost world' discovered in remote Australia [View all] FarCenter Oct 2013 OP

Cool. I wonder what purpose the flat tail on the Leaf Tail Gecko serves? adirondacker Oct 2013 #1

Maybe a counter-balance for the head; or leaf-like camouflage NBachers Oct 2013 #2

Who says it has a purpose? Scootaloo Oct 2013 #3

It looks as if it is a "false head" (no jokes here) theHandpuppet Oct 2013 #6

This is the kind of thing I'm talking about theHandpuppet Oct 2013 #10

Heat management? Recursion Oct 2013 #7

that would be my guess reddread Oct 2013 #9

Being Australia, it no doubt... Demo_Chris Oct 2013 #11

Good one! I was thinking it had something to do with mobility, like sticking to slippery rocks. nt adirondacker Oct 2013 #13

Not in Australia. Even the freaking rocks are poisonous there. nt Demo_Chris Oct 2013 #14

I love this stuff. Thanks for posting. 1000words Oct 2013 #4

Sweet. Wonder how they taste? The Straight Story Oct 2013 #5

Did you hear the one about the remote islander? Recursion Oct 2013 #8

Kick And Recommend cantbeserious Oct 2013 #12