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Total Categories: 5
Geckos inhabit every continent of the world, with the exception of Antarctica.
Answer: True
Geckos are distributed globally across all continents, excluding Antarctica, primarily inhabiting warm climates.
There are fewer than 1,000 known species of geckos worldwide.
Answer: False
The global diversity of geckos is substantial, with well over 1,850 species documented, making them the most species-rich group of lizards.
The majority of gecko species exhibit diurnal activity patterns, meaning they are primarily active during daylight hours.
Answer: False
The predominant activity pattern among gecko species is nocturnal, indicating they are most active during the night.
Certain gecko species, such as the common house gecko, are often welcomed into human dwellings due to their beneficial role in pest control.
Answer: True
Some gecko species, like the house gecko, are valued inhabitants of human homes because they consume bothersome insect pests, thereby contributing to natural pest management.
The largest known gecko species, Gigarcanum delcourti, is documented from extensive fossil records found across Australia.
Answer: False
The existence of Gigarcanum delcourti, the largest known gecko species, is known primarily from a single stuffed specimen, believed to have been endemic to New Caledonia, not Australia.
The Jaragua sphaero, recognized as the smallest gecko species, measures approximately 1.6 meters in length.
Answer: False
The Jaragua sphaero, the smallest known gecko, measures a mere 16 millimeters (approximately 0.63 inches) in length, not 1.6 meters.
The term 'gecko' originates from a Javanese word that imitates the characteristic sounds produced by certain species.
Answer: True
The etymology of the word 'gecko' traces back to the Indonesian-Malaysian word 'gekko', which itself derives from the Javanese word 'tokek', an onomatopoeic representation of the sounds made by specific gecko species.
According to the source, geckos are distributed across the globe in which type of climate?
Answer: Warm climates worldwide
Geckos exhibit a wide geographic distribution, primarily inhabiting warm climates across all continents except Antarctica.
What is the approximate size range of geckos as indicated in the provided information?
Answer: 1.6 to 67 centimeters
Gecko species display considerable variation in size, ranging from the diminutive Jaragua sphaero at 1.6 centimeters to larger species reaching up to 67 centimeters in length.
Which characteristic is cited as uniquely distinguishing geckos among lizards?
Answer: Their vocalizations, such as chirping or clicking
Geckos possess a unique characteristic among lizards: their vocalizations, which range from chirping to clicking sounds and are utilized in social interactions.
What is the typical activity pattern observed for the majority of gecko species?
Answer: Nocturnal (active at night)
The predominant activity pattern among gecko species is nocturnal, indicating they are most active during the night.
Why are certain gecko species, such as the house gecko, frequently found in human habitations?
Answer: They help control insect populations by eating them.
Some gecko species, like the house gecko, are valued inhabitants of human homes because they consume bothersome insect pests, thereby contributing to natural pest management.
The largest known gecko species, Gigarcanum delcourti, is known to science based on what form of evidence?
Answer: A single stuffed specimen
The existence of Gigarcanum delcourti, the largest known gecko species, is known primarily from a single stuffed specimen, believed to have been endemic to New Caledonia.
What is the etymological origin of the word 'gecko', according to the provided text?
Answer: From an Indonesian-Malaysian word imitating gecko sounds
The etymology of the word 'gecko' traces back to the Indonesian-Malaysian word 'gekko', which itself derives from the Javanese word 'tokek', an onomatopoeic representation of the sounds made by specific gecko species.
Geckos are distinguished from most other lizards by their capacity for rapid color change.
Answer: False
While some geckos can alter their coloration, this is not their primary distinguishing characteristic among lizards. Their unique vocalizations are considered a more significant distinguishing feature.
The majority of gecko species possess functional eyelids for blinking and eye lubrication.
Answer: False
A significant physiological characteristic of most geckos is the absence of eyelids. Instead, their eyes are protected by a transparent membrane, known as a brille.
Geckos lacking eyelids typically clean their eyes by blinking rapidly.
Answer: False
Since they cannot blink, geckos without eyelids typically employ their tongues to lick the transparent membrane covering their eyeballs, thereby clearing debris and maintaining moisture.
Geckos are endothermic animals that generate their own body heat through metabolic processes.
Answer: False
Geckos are ectothermic, meaning they do not generate significant internal metabolic heat and rely on external environmental sources to regulate their body temperature.
Geckos typically shed their skin once annually, irrespective of their developmental stage or species.
Answer: False
The frequency of skin shedding in geckos varies considerably. Juvenile geckos shed more frequently, potentially weekly, whereas adult geckos typically shed their skin every one to two months.
Following ecdysis (skin shedding), geckos invariably discard their old skin immediately.
Answer: False
A common behavior observed in geckos after shedding their skin is to consume it. This practice may serve to recover nutrients and prevent predators from detecting their presence.
Gecko skin typically lacks scales and is characterized by superhydrophobicity and potent antimicrobial properties.
Answer: True
Gecko integument is notably devoid of scales and exhibits remarkable properties, including extreme water repellency (superhydrophobicity) and significant antimicrobial efficacy.
Gecko teeth are permanently fixed to the jaw bones, analogous to the dentition of humans.
Answer: False
Gecko teeth are not permanently fixed; they are pleurodont, meaning they are fused by their sides to the inner surface of the jaw bones, and are continuously replaced throughout their lives.
How do most geckos, which lack eyelids, maintain the cleanliness and moisture of their eyes?
Answer: By licking the transparent membrane covering their eyeballs
Since they cannot blink, geckos without eyelids typically employ their tongues to lick the transparent membrane covering their eyeballs, thereby clearing debris and maintaining moisture.
How do geckos primarily regulate their body temperature?
Answer: By relying on their environment to regulate temperature
Geckos are ectothermic, meaning they do not generate significant internal metabolic heat and rely on external environmental sources to regulate their body temperature.
What is the typical frequency for adult geckos to shed their skin?
Answer: Every one to two months
The frequency of skin shedding in geckos varies considerably. Juvenile geckos shed more frequently, potentially weekly, whereas adult geckos typically shed their skin every one to two months.
What action do geckos commonly perform with their shed skin?
Answer: They eat it after detaching it.
A common behavior observed in geckos after shedding their skin is to consume it. This practice may serve to recover nutrients and prevent predators from detecting their presence.
Beyond the absence of scales, what other notable properties does gecko skin possess?
Answer: Superhydrophobicity and antimicrobial action
Gecko integument is notably devoid of scales and exhibits remarkable properties, including extreme water repellency (superhydrophobicity) and significant antimicrobial efficacy.
How are gecko teeth attached to their jaw bones?
Answer: Fused by their sides to the inner surface (pleurodont)
Gecko teeth are pleurodont, meaning they are fused by their sides to the inner surface of the jaw bones, allowing for continuous replacement.
What is the term used in the source to describe geckos' ability to replace all their teeth approximately every three to four months?
Answer: Polyphyodont
As polyphyodonts, geckos possess the capacity to continuously replace their teeth throughout their lifespan; in many species, this involves the replacement of all approximately 100 teeth every three to four months.
The adhesive properties of gecko toe pads are attributed to liquids secreted from glands.
Answer: False
Gecko adhesion is primarily mediated by microscopic structures (setae and spatulae) on their toe pads, utilizing physical forces rather than secreted liquids.
Adhesive toepads, present in approximately 60% of gecko species, rely on surface tension for their remarkable adherence capabilities.
Answer: False
Gecko toepads achieve adhesion through complex physical forces generated by microscopic structures (setae and spatulae), independent of surface tension or secreted liquids.
Prior scientific understanding predominantly attributed gecko adhesion to capillary forces.
Answer: False
Previously, the prevailing scientific hypothesis for gecko adhesion centered on van der Waals forces. Capillary forces were also considered, but electrostatic interactions are now considered a more significant factor by recent research.
A 2014 scientific investigation posited that electrostatic interactions constitute the primary mechanism underlying gecko adhesion.
Answer: True
Recent research, notably a 2014 study, indicates that electrostatic interactions, arising from contact electrification, are the principal drivers of gecko adhesion, superseding previous hypotheses involving van der Waals or capillary forces.
The microscopic setae on gecko feet are susceptible to accumulating dirt, necessitating manual intervention for cleaning.
Answer: False
The intricate structure of gecko setae facilitates a self-cleaning mechanism, wherein accumulated particulate matter is typically dislodged within a few steps, obviating the need for manual cleaning.
Geckos adhere most effectively to surfaces such as Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) due to their high surface energy.
Answer: False
Geckos exhibit reduced adhesion on materials like Teflon (PTFE) precisely because these surfaces possess very low surface energy, making adherence challenging.
Elevated humidity levels generally impede the adhesive capabilities of gecko feet.
Answer: False
Contrary to impeding adhesion, higher humidity levels generally enhance the adhesive performance of gecko feet, even on surfaces that are typically water-repellent.
A square millimeter of a gecko's footpad contains approximately 14,000 hair-like setae.
Answer: True
The remarkable adhesive capacity of gecko feet is supported by an extremely high density of microscopic setae; approximately 14,000 setae are present per square millimeter of the footpad.
Individual setae on a gecko's foot are significantly thicker than a strand of human hair.
Answer: False
Setae are exceedingly fine structures; an individual seta has a diameter of approximately 5 micrometers, which is substantially smaller than the typical diameter range of human hair (18-180 micrometers).
Each seta on a gecko's foot is tipped with hundreds or thousands of spatulae.
Answer: True
The terminal ends of each seta branch into numerous spatulae, typically numbering between 100 and 1,000 per seta, which further increase the surface area for adhesion.
Approximately what percentage of gecko species possess adhesive toepads?
Answer: Approximately 60%
Approximately 60% of gecko species are equipped with adhesive toepads. These specialized structures enable adherence to a wide array of surfaces, independent of liquid secretions or surface tension.
What was the previously accepted scientific explanation for gecko adhesion before recent studies?
Answer: Van der Waals forces acting between microscopic structures
Previously, the prevailing scientific hypothesis for gecko adhesion centered on van der Waals forces. Capillary forces were also considered, but electrostatic interactions are now considered a more significant factor by recent research.
What is the primary mechanism of gecko adhesion suggested by a 2014 study?
Answer: Electrostatic interaction from contact electrification
Recent research, notably a 2014 study, indicates that electrostatic interactions, arising from contact electrification, are the principal drivers of gecko adhesion, superseding previous hypotheses involving van der Waals or capillary forces.
How do the setae on gecko feet contribute to their maintenance?
Answer: They are self-cleaning, removing dirt within a few steps.
The intricate structure of gecko setae facilitates a self-cleaning mechanism, wherein accumulated particulate matter is typically dislodged within a few steps, obviating the need for manual cleaning.
Which material is identified in the source as being particularly difficult for geckos to adhere to?
Answer: Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)
Geckos exhibit reduced adhesion on materials like Teflon (PTFE) precisely because these surfaces possess very low surface energy, making adherence challenging.
How does humidity generally influence gecko adhesion?
Answer: It generally improves adhesion.
Contrary to impeding adhesion, higher humidity levels generally enhance the adhesive performance of gecko feet, even on surfaces that are typically water-repellent.
How many hair-like setae are typically found on one square millimeter of a gecko's footpad?
Answer: Approximately 14,000
The remarkable adhesive capacity of gecko feet is supported by an extremely high density of microscopic setae; approximately 14,000 setae are present per square millimeter of the footpad.
What is the approximate diameter of a single seta on a gecko's foot, compared to human hair?
Answer: Significantly smaller than human hair
Setae are exceedingly fine structures; an individual seta has a diameter of approximately 5 micrometers, which is substantially smaller than the typical diameter range of human hair (18-180 micrometers).
What is the approximate number of spatulae that tip each seta on a gecko's foot?
Answer: 100 to 1,000
The terminal ends of each seta branch into numerous spatulae, typically numbering between 100 and 1,000 per seta, which further increase the surface area for adhesion.
What theoretical adhesive force can the footpads of a typical 70-gram gecko support?
Answer: Up to 133 kilograms
The collective action of the setae on a typical 70-gram gecko's footpads generates a theoretical adhesive force capable of supporting a weight of up to 133 kilograms.
The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius), a common pet, is notable for what characteristic related to climbing?
Answer: It lacks adhesive toe pads and cannot climb glass.
The leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is a common pet that does not possess adhesive toepads and consequently cannot adhere to smooth surfaces like glass.
The evolutionary development of adhesive toepads in geckos has occurred only once throughout their lineage.
Answer: False
Evolutionary analysis indicates that adhesive toepads have evolved independently multiple times, approximately eleven times, across different gecko lineages, and have also been lost in several instances.
The taxonomic suborder Gekkota encompasses exclusively gecko species, excluding related legless lizards.
Answer: False
The suborder Gekkota includes not only geckos but also the distinct group of snake-like, legless pygopods.
The most ancient known fossilized remains of extant gecko species, estimated to be approximately 100 million years old, were unearthed within European amber deposits.
Answer: False
The oldest documented fossil evidence of extant gecko species dates back approximately 100 million years, originating from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber deposits in Myanmar, not European amber.
How many times has the ability for adhesive toepads evolved independently in geckos, according to evolutionary history?
Answer: About eleven times
Evolutionary analysis indicates that adhesive toepads have evolved independently multiple times, approximately eleven times, across different gecko lineages, and have also been lost in several instances.
Besides geckos, what other type of reptile is included within the suborder Gekkota?
Answer: Snake-like, legless pygopods
The suborder Gekkota includes not only geckos but also the distinct group of snake-like, legless pygopods.
What reproductive method, where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, has evolved multiple times within the gecko family Gekkonidae?
Answer: Obligate parthenogenesis
Obligate parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, has evolved independently multiple times within the family Gekkonidae.
The Tokay gecko is recognized for its quiet and subtle vocalizations, particularly during mating periods.
Answer: False
Conversely, the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is known for its notably loud and distinct mating calls, often described as aggressive.
Geckos possess the ability to defensively shed their tails, and these detached tails cease all movement immediately.
Answer: False
While geckos can shed their tails defensively, the detached tail typically continues to move vigorously for a period, serving as a distraction to predators, allowing the gecko to escape.
What defensive strategy do geckos employ, mirroring the behavior of many other lizard species?
Answer: Defensively shedding their tails to distract predators
Like many lizards, geckos possess the ability to autotomize (shed) their tails as a defensive mechanism. The detached, wriggling tail serves to divert a predator's attention, facilitating the gecko's escape.
Which gecko species is particularly known for its aggressive temperament and loud mating calls?
Answer: Tokay gecko
The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) is particularly noted for its aggressive disposition and distinctively loud vocalizations, especially during mating rituals.