The strange respiratory mechanism of this lizard is actually a way for it to survive against bloodthirsty predators.
The unique respiratory mechanism using a bubble on the nose of the water lizard (scientific name: Anolis aquaticus) has attracted significant attention from the scientific community.
This bubble functions like a mini oxygen tank, allowing them to dive underwater for extended periods, lasting up to tens of minutes.
The bubble on the water lizard’s nose helps it survive against predators by hiding underwater (Photo: Getty).
New research from Binghamton University (USA) indicates that adapting to this strange respiratory mechanism is actually a way for the water lizard to survive against bloodthirsty predators.
To assess the impact of the air bubble, researchers collected 30 water lizards and meticulously observed their behaviors.
They discovered that the skin of the lizard is highly water-repellent. This allows air to cling tightly to their skin, leading to the formation of the air bubble.
However, when a skin-softening agent was applied, the air no longer clung to the lizard’s skin surface, and bubbles could no longer form.
To remain underwater longer, these lizards had to create another bubble. However, their underwater dive time was significantly reduced.
This demonstrates that the surface of the lizard’s skin directly affects the cycle of inhaling and exhaling, as well as the duration of their dives. Their dry skin is seen as an evolutionary adaptation over centuries, providing them with a survival advantage against predators in the wild.
“By jumping into the water, they can escape from many predators. Even without the bubble, they remain very calm underwater,” said Lindsey Swierk, an ecologist and lead researcher.
“Lizards are like fried chicken in the forest. Birds eat them, snakes eat them.”
Due to the constant threat of danger, this lizard species has developed a quite effective camouflage mechanism underwater, and they usually stay submerged until the danger has passed.
Previous studies have confirmed that the water lizard is the first vertebrate species in the world to utilize this special respiratory mechanism. Some individuals can even “dive” underwater for at least 20 minutes.
