Why can a basilisk lizard run across water?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can a basilisk lizard run across water?

The Big Idea

Some lizards can run on water! Splash, splash, splash! How does a basilisk lizard do it?

Slap and Push

Step one: Slap and Push. A basilisk lizard can sprint over the surface of a pond for several steps. Each foot slaps the water hard, then pushes down to make a small pocket of air around it.

Big Fringed Feet

Step two: Big Fringed Feet. Its big feet with fringes and fast steps keep it from sinking right away. It must keep moving fast, and it swims when it slows down.

Light Is Best

Step three: Light Is Best. Young, light basilisks are the best water runners. Heavier adults sink sooner, but they are strong swimmers too.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Fringed toes. Hard hit. Under foot. Keeps it up.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Basilisks are good swimmers when they sink. Young, light basilisks run best on water. Fringes make the feet wider. Speed stops them sinking right away.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up nearby, slap a plastic plate flat against water in a tub. Then push it in slowly. Notice how a fast slap feels harder than a slow push. Dry up any splashes. That push is what holds up a basilisk!

Outro

A basilisk lizard runs across water by slapping each foot down hard and pushing an air pocket around it. Big fringed feet and fast steps keep it up for a few steps, and when it slows down, it swims. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!