{"product_id":"crested-gecko-emily-williams-9798270781859","title":"Crested Gecko: Sticky-Toed Climbers from New Caledonia - The Gentle Arboreal Acrobat","description":"Crested Geckos (\u003ci\u003eCorrelophus ciliatus\u003c\/i\u003e) are highly specialized for \u003cb\u003earboreal locomotion\u003c\/b\u003e, and their skeletal and muscular systems reflect adaptations for \u003cb\u003eclimbing, jumping, and navigating complex three-dimensional habitats\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkeletal Adaptations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLimbs and Digits\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eLimbs are long and slender, providing \u003cb\u003ereach and leverage\u003c\/b\u003e for climbing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDigits are equipped with \u003cb\u003eexpanded adhesive toe pads\u003c\/b\u003e, with \u003cb\u003elamellae composed of microscopic setae\u003c\/b\u003e that create van der Waals forces, enabling \u003cb\u003eadhesion to smooth surfaces\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrehensile Tail\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eVertebrae in the tail are \u003cb\u003eflexible and robust\u003c\/b\u003e, supporting gripping and balancing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eTail mobility compensates for \u003cb\u003erapid directional changes during jumps or falls\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eLightweight, yet Strong Skeleton\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBones are \u003cb\u003ethin and lightweight\u003c\/b\u003e, reducing energy expenditure during vertical climbing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSkull is flattened with a broad jaw for \u003cb\u003eefficient prey capture and handling of insects and soft fruits\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eMuscular Adaptations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eForelimb and Hindlimb Musculature\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHindlimbs are powerful, allowing \u003cb\u003eleaps up to several times body length\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eForelimb muscles provide \u003cb\u003eprecise grasping and stabilization\u003c\/b\u003e, crucial for clinging to branches and smooth surfaces. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eCore and Tail Muscles\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAbdominal and spinal muscles support \u003cb\u003eflexion and torsion\u003c\/b\u003e during climbing and landing. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eTail muscles allow \u003cb\u003eprehensile wrapping\u003c\/b\u003e, enhancing balance and arboreal maneuverability. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnergy Efficiency\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eMuscle fibers are adapted for \u003cb\u003erapid bursts of movement\u003c\/b\u003e, ideal for hunting prey or escaping predators. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eCombined skeletal and muscular adaptations reduce \u003cb\u003efatigue during nocturnal foraging\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Emily Williams,Patrick Faes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798270781859\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/21\/2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 236\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.71lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.50d","brand":"Emily Williams","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47931150893311,"sku":"9798270781859","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_38d0b1f7-7c05-434f-9316-991025d662b4.jpg?v=1766346799","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/crested-gecko-emily-williams-9798270781859","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}