NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tuatara are a rare reptile found only in New Zealand. They are the last survivors of an order of reptiles that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs.

Detailed explanation-2: -Predators of Tuataras include pigs, cats, and rodents.

Detailed explanation-3: -They will fiercely defend their territory. They have a bite that they use on predators which can inflict severe damage. The only predators of the tuatara are those which have been introduced including stouts, dogs, foxes, cats and rats. Rats are believed to have had one of the largest roles in their decline.

Detailed explanation-4: -They have unusual teeth that can’t be replaced. It’s a tooth arrangement not seen in any other reptile. And unlike all other living toothed reptiles, the tuatara’s teeth are not separate structures but sharp projections of the jaw bone. This means that worn down or broken teeth cannot be replaced.