THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM 



American alligator and skull of a crocodile assist in mak- 

 ing clear the difference between crocodiles and alligators, 

 emphasized elsewhere. 



Facing these, on the north wall, is an exhibit illustrating 

 the characteristics of the Class Reptilia, which, with many 

 descriptive labels, provides the visitor with a comprehen- 

 sive view of general and special points of structure of this 

 class of animals. 



On the wall behind this exhibit are maps showing the 

 distribution of dangerous snakes and of amphibians, and a 

 painting at the side shows the color changes of the common 

 chamaeleon. 



Proceeding up the hall, exhibits of crocodiles, snakes and 

 lizards, including the more important and interesting types 

 of these animals, among which may be mentioned the rare 

 tuatara from New Zealand, a primitive lizard-like reptile 

 belonging to an order of which every other family is now 

 extinct. Models of the extinct Plesiosaurus, a marine rep- 

 tile with crocodilian characteristics, of the Stegosaurus, an 

 extinct armored dinosaur of the Jurassic period, and of an 

 Ichthyosaur, a fish-like lizard representing a group of rep- 

 tiles abundant in Triassic times, help to relate the existing 

 species of reptiles with those of ages of the past. The 

 Ichthyosaurs were adapted to life in the sea, having four 

 paddles and a powerful tail for swimming. 



Typical examples of harmless and poisonous snakes are 

 shown and the lizards are especially well represented; a 

 study collection of these is available for students and in- 



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