Turquoise Band 7
Break
Reptiles Follow Rules
Letters and Sounds Phase 5–6
Phonemes covered: /n/ kn, gn /m/ mb /r/ wr /s/ c, ce, sc /c/ x /zh/ sion /sh/ ti, ci
Meet the exceptional reptiles who break the rules of the animal kingdom.
Break
Browse the complete Collins catalogue at
www.collins.co.uk
Reptiles Follow Rules
ISBN 978-0-00-835780-1
9 780008 357801
www.collins.co.uk/collinsbigcat
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A non-fiction book
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Meet the rule breakers Reptiles have dry, scaly skin. They cannot produce their own body heat.
Lizards are reptiles.
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Some reptiles are exceptional. Get ready to meet the reptiles that break rules!
Snakes are reptiles.
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Rule 1: Animals can’t walk on water Basilisks dance across water to escape predators! Their back limbs move so fast that a bubble of air forms under each foot. Basilisks push against this bubble to avoid sinking.
Don’t try this at home!
Rule breaker: basilisk
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Rule breaker: pygmy gecko
Pygmy geckos can walk across puddles. This stops them drowning when it rains.
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Rule 2: Eyes come in pairs Some reptiles from New Zealand have three eyes! Their third eye is covered with scales, but scientists know that it can sense light. However, it’s not for vision. It helps the reptile know when it’s time to breed. third eye in middle of face
Rule breaker: New Zealand reptile 6
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This Madagascar blindsnake has no eyes at all!
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