The animal with green blood is the lizard known as the Prasinohaema skinks. These lizards have green blood due to a high concentration of biliverdin, a bile pigment that is also found in human blood. While humans break down biliverdin, Prasinohaema skinks have a unique adaptation where it stays in their blood, giving it a distinct green color.
Why Do Prasinohaema Skinks Have Green Blood?
The reason for the green blood in Prasinohaema skinks is not fully understood, but scientists believe it could be related to:
- Oxygen transport: Some researchers suggest that biliverdin may help these lizards transport oxygen more efficiently in low-oxygen environments.
- Antioxidant properties: Biliverdin has antioxidant properties, which may protect the lizards from damage caused by free radicals.
- Defense mechanism: The bright green blood could serve as a deterrent to predators, making them less appealing as prey.
Other Animals With Unique Blood Colors
While Prasinohaema skinks are the only known animals with green blood, there are other species with unique blood colors:
- Brachiopods: These marine animals have blue blood due to the presence of a protein called hemerythrin.
- Horseshoe crabs: These ancient arthropods have blue blood due to the presence of a protein called hemocyanin.
Conclusion
The green blood of Prasinohaema skinks is a fascinating adaptation that sets them apart from other animals. While the exact reason for this unique characteristic remains a mystery, scientists continue to study these lizards to better understand their biology and the role of biliverdin in their physiology.
