Hello everyone!
So I've always wondered, and I'm sure it's been discussed before, about the extreme variation you see in the captive bearded dragon population. And I don't just mean color, I mean things that weren't purposely bred for.
Facial shape is probably the most apparent example. Take a look around the internet at some pictures, it won't take you long to see what I mean! Some have extremely short, pug-like snouts, others have very long, slender faces, and everything in between. Pattern (Particularly on the back and side of the face), eye size and shape, eye color, and build are all other physical traits I've noticed have great variation. Of course, variation is natural for any single species, but in my opinion some of the variation is too extreme!
Take a look at the facial shapes of these beardeds that I found on google images...
I imagine that it's due to the fact that none of the beardeds in the pet trade are purely P. Vitticeps. In fact, I don't think it'd be unreasonable to assume that they're a mix of 2 or 3 different species, perhaps more! Also - Do you think nutrition has any impact?
Let me know what you guys think!
So I've always wondered, and I'm sure it's been discussed before, about the extreme variation you see in the captive bearded dragon population. And I don't just mean color, I mean things that weren't purposely bred for.
Facial shape is probably the most apparent example. Take a look around the internet at some pictures, it won't take you long to see what I mean! Some have extremely short, pug-like snouts, others have very long, slender faces, and everything in between. Pattern (Particularly on the back and side of the face), eye size and shape, eye color, and build are all other physical traits I've noticed have great variation. Of course, variation is natural for any single species, but in my opinion some of the variation is too extreme!
Take a look at the facial shapes of these beardeds that I found on google images...
I imagine that it's due to the fact that none of the beardeds in the pet trade are purely P. Vitticeps. In fact, I don't think it'd be unreasonable to assume that they're a mix of 2 or 3 different species, perhaps more! Also - Do you think nutrition has any impact?
Let me know what you guys think!