It’s not easy to get someone’s attention, especially if you’re not right in front of them. But lizards have perfected a head-turning method that allows them to accomplish precisely that.
Washington University in St. Louis Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. James Stroud has observed that several species of lizards engage in a taxing ritual since they “cannot make noise to communicate.”
Information about the individual’s strength and fitness is communicated through this activity, serving as both a deterrent to would-be rivals and an invitation to possible mates.
Scientists Theory About Push-Ups of Lizards
In order to gauge their level of activity, scientists believe lizards perform push-ups to measure their heart rates.
To develop a smooth exterior on their heart and lungs, lizards engage in push-ups. Sand and grime are kept out of the internal organs in this way.
Maybe as challenging as it is fun to watch slow-motion video of lizards doing push-ups. Why do lizards perform push-ups? This isn’t done for the sake of showing off to you.
Due to their inability to simply peel off their skin, lizards resort to doing push-ups in order to facilitate the process.
Do All Lizards Do Push-Ups?
Only some lizards perform push-ups, though. The answer is conditional on the type of lizard and its territory.
It’s common to see both male and female lizards performing push-ups (to maintain a healthy body temperature), although the males are the livelier of the sexes.
Male lizards are substantially more powerful than females. It’s not true that all lizards engage in push-ups; this behaviour varies according on where they live.
Mating Rituals of Lizards
Push-ups are one method men demonstrate their power, especially to the women they are interested in.
In order to impress the female, many male lizards perform a series of push-ups as part of their mating ritual.
Some species of lizard, like the western fence lizard (also known as a blue belly lizard), have a behaviour whereby males compete for females by performing push-ups and displaying their blue bellies.
Comparing the western fence lizard to a male peacock spreading his colourful plumage to attract a mate is a good way to visualise this behaviour.
In order to succeed during mating season, male lizards must attract the attention of females, and some find that an extra set of push-ups gives them that extra edge.
Do Both Female And Male Lizards Do Push Ups?
We’ve covered the topic of lizards’ bouncing, but does this hold true for both sexes?
A male lizard is more likely to be seen doing push-ups because they are more interested in attention-seeking behaviour.
Although males are more likely to resort to aggressive displays like push-ups, this is not to say that girls never engage in this activity.
Females of your species may be seen bobbing up and down in a push-up-like motion, but they aren’t nearly as demonstrative as males.
They’re not as hostile either, but female lizards can and do fight amongst themselves. The results of a fight between women are generally less severe than those of a fight between men.
In response to a male’s courtship display, a female may bob up and down. The same overt display that a male would make is not typical of a female.
While women often don’t perform push-ups in public, it is possible to see females doing so on rare occasions.
Conclusion
When a male lizard is courting a female, he may perform push-ups to demonstrate his strength and attract her attention.
It’s possible that certain lizards will resort to this tactic if they desire to force an intruder to leave their territory. Although these lizards doing push-ups may make you chuckle, they are taking the exercise very seriously.
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