The Beautiful World of Scales

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The world of Scales – most are small, plate like outgrowths from an animal’s skin or body covering. They are key features of many animals that deliver protection, whilst allowing handy flexibility and unique visual appearances. Diverse patterns, shapes and colours of Scales influence remarkable behaviours of courtship, defence and camouflage. Here are ten extraordinary examples of the varied, wonderful and beautifully manufactured scales.

1.    Bearded Dragon –

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The bearded dragon has rows of spiked Scales along the sides of its body. This breaks up the dragons outline from its environment – an important form of camouflage from predators on the wing. These spikes are also used for defensive displays.

2.    Pineapple Fish –

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Scales that are thickened with bone form scutes. These offer extra protection to the exotic and fruity pineapple fish.

3.    Crocodile –

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The leathery formidable looking skin of crocodiles and alligators are covered with non-overlapping scales embedded with bony scutes.

4.   A Snakes Eye –

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A snake’s eye believe it or not is remarkably covered by a single clear scale, known as the spectacle or brille.

5.    Horned Viper –

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The striking horns of the horned viper are scales that work as a form of camouflage by breaking up the outline of its large shaped head within its environment.

6. Madagascan Day Gecko –

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The day Gecko hosts one of the most beautiful green bodies crafted from circular scales that sit together tightly across the skin. A complete stunner when caught under the sun of Madagascar.

7.    Pangolin –

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Cumbersome plates of armour march and line across the pangolins body. When curled up, nothing can get through the tough scaled plates – the perfect line of defence.

8.  Chameleon –

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Chameleons are well known for their marvellous rainbow variation of coloured scales. Changing depending on their mood, these outstanding scales make the Chameleon truly unique.

9. Snakes -

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Most snakes have overlapping scales arranged in diagonal rows. As well as providing protection in snakes they also lock in moisture. By emphasising skin colour, they play a role in defence courtship and territorial displays.

10. Turtle -

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The scales of turtles and tortoise are solid, fused, bone-reinforced scutes embedded in the outer skin. Always looking old and worn I say that turtles still wear their scales proudly.

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Tags: adaptation, alligator, amphibain, animals, Camouflage, CHAMELEON, colourful, crocodile, day gecko, evolution, exotic species, Eyes, horned viper, madagascar gecko, nature, pangolin, photogrpahy, pineapple fish, protection, reptile, scales, snakes, turtle, viper snake

Category: Animals, Bizarre, Entertainment, Environment, Featured, Photos