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Tuatara's head has some distinction from other reptiles, and on the back of its head is a third eye that responds to changes in light and temperature. However, the purpose of this eye remains completely unknown. It is a special reptile found on several islands in New Zealand. It is the only surviving representative of a large group of reptiles that formerly inhabited Eurasia, Africa, and North America. Tuatara has been around for over 220 million years and has remained virtually unchanged during that time.
Tuatara often inhabits burrows used by nesting Storm Petrels. They spend the daytime resting in the burrows while the birds are busy searching for food. At night they come out to hunt for insects. Although similar to lizards, these reptiles make up a special group called Rhynchocephalians. They have a long life cycle, reaching ages of up to 100 years, and also have a unique kinetic skull, where the upper jaw and palate can move relative to the brain box.

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