Running On Water
The basilisk sometimes runs as a biped. Basilisks have the unique ability to "walk" on water and, because of this, they have been dubbed as "The Jesus Christ lizard" in reference to the biblical passage of Matthew 14:22-34. On water, the basilisk can run at a velocity of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) per second for approximately 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) before sinking on all fours and swimming. Flaps between their toes help support the basilisk, creating a larger surface and a pocket of air. They can also sustain themselves on all fours while "water-walking" to increase time above the surface by about 1.3 meters (4.3 feet).
Read more about this topic: Basiliscus (genus)
Famous quotes containing the words running and/or water:
“But the ball is lost and the mallet slipped long since from the hands
Under the running tap that are not the hands of a child.”
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“A little water clears us of this deed.
How easy is it then!”
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