Aosta Edelman’s students at Bethlehem Middle School read the NYSRA Charlotte Award nominated book Lizards by Nic Bishop. The students had many questions and Mr. Bishop graciously answered them.
Why do some lizards have spikes along their body?
This is the type of question scientists ask. Scientists like to notice things and then ask questions. Lots of different lizards have spikes, so there must be some good reason for it. But I don’t think people really know the answer yet. However, I have got some ideas. The spikes do make them look cool, so perhaps they help lizards show off to each other. Or maybe the spikes deter predators. I wouldn’t want to swallow something with lots of spikes.
How old do lizards get?
In captivity, lizards may live for 10 or 20 years, or perhaps even longer. But in the wild there are predators and other dangers to deal with, so most lizards will only live a few years. They may end up being eaten by snakes, hawks, or even other lizards. Others may not find enough food to eat. It is not always fun being a lizard.
How do lizards eyes work?
Lizards have good sight and their eyes work much like yours do. Many lizards see in color, like you do.
If the mom dies, what happens to the babies?
Lizard moms do not look after their young. She leaves her eggs after she has laid them. The babies are born already knowing how to survive. They can recognize danger and find their food without being taught. This is called instinct. So it doesn’t matter if the mom dies.
What is prehensile?
Prehensile means something that can grab hold of other objects. Lots of animal that live in trees use their tails to hold onto branches, so they don’t fall out. We say they have prehensile tails.
How do lizards shoot their tongues out so far?
This is too tough to explain in a few words.
How did the lizard get his name?
Nobody knows for sure, but it might come from an old Latin word for lizard. That word is lacerta.
Are lizard eggs soft?
Lizard eggs often have soft leathery shells which can absorb water. So these lizards lay their eggs in damp places, such as moist sand or among old leaves. Some geckos, however, lay eggs with hard shells. The gecko eggs are soft and damp when they are first laid, but they harden as they dry. As they dry, they also stick to surfaces like tree trunks. That’s useful for geckos which are good climbers and often live in trees.
Why do lizards have claws?
Claws help lizards grip the ground when they run, and grip branches when they climb.
Why do some lizards change color?
Not many lizards change color, although quite a few lizards get darker as they get colder. Chameleons, however, can change color. They do this when they are happy, excited, or cross. Chameleons do not make noises or call to each other. They communicate their mood by changing color instead. Imagine what it would be like if we did that.
Have you ever gone to a jungle or did you go on the internet?
Because I take the photographs for my books I often travel to rain forests and deserts to find animals. Sometimes I keep animals at home, too. I have to learn how to look after these animals so they are happy. All this takes a lot of time and patience, but I like studying real things. It is exciting, fun, and I learn lots. I don’t really need to use the internet to find out about animals.
How do you think and find out so much about animals?
I like to watch animals when I am travelling, and I like reading about them too. I know a lot because I have been doing this for a long time. Don’t forget I am older than you guys. You will learn a lot as you get older. Just remember to be curious about things and read books.
What inspired you to make all these animal books?
Animals are really cool. I just love watching them and taking photographs that show how amazing they are. Sometimes it takes me days to get a good photograph. The photo of the lizard running across the water took about 12 weeks. But I never get bored doing this.
Do you have a pet lizard?
I do not usually keep pets, but I have had chameleons that I looked after for a few years. I think they are the most amazing type of lizards, although they are very hard to care for, so they do not make good pets. I think geckos are really cool, too.
Do you get your information from scientists?
I get a lot of my information by studying the animals that I photograph. You get to learn a lot by observing things. I also read book written by scientists. I have to go to university libraries to find these. Sometimes I travel overseas with scientists who study animals and they tell me information.
Nic Bishop
January 19, 2012
