Lizards in New Guinea have green bones, along with other green body parts.
The question of who has green bones is an interesting one, leading us to an unexpected corner of the animal kingdom. While it might sound like something out of science fiction, there are indeed creatures on Earth that possess this unusual trait. According to research published in Science Advances, certain lizards in New Guinea have evolved to have green bones, as well as green hearts, tongues, and blood.
Green-Boned Lizards of New Guinea
These unique lizards, which include at least six different species, live in the forests of New Guinea. Their distinctive coloration is not the result of a single, isolated mutation, but rather has evolved independently on four separate occasions. This fact indicates that having green bones might offer some evolutionary advantage in their specific environment. Below are some details about their unique features:
- Green Bones: These are the most striking feature, caused by a buildup of biliverdin, a bile pigment.
- Green Hearts, Tongues, and Blood: The green hue extends beyond just the skeletal system, making these lizards incredibly unique.
- Multiple Evolutionary Origins: The phenomenon has emerged in at least four distinct evolutionary lines, suggesting its adaptive value.
It’s important to note that these lizards are not green on the outside, but rather within their bodies. This internal green coloration offers a fascinating example of the diverse and often surprising ways that life has adapted in the natural world. The research in Science Advances highlights that this adaptation has happened multiple times, independently, further emphasizing the advantages this trait brings to those specific lizards.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Forests of New Guinea |
| Bone Color | Green |
| Other Green Parts | Heart, Tongue, Blood |
| Evolutionary Origins | Four independent instances |
