Repeated evolution of non-wettable skin surfaces in semi-aquatic lizards Universiteit Gent
Animals that habitually cross the boundary between water and land face specific challenges with respect to locomotion, respiration, insulation, fouling, and waterproofing. Many semi-aquatic invertebrates and plants have developed complex surface microstructures with water-repellent properties to overcome these problems, but equivalent adaptations of the skin have not been reported for vertebrates that encounter similar environmental challenges. ...