Again, there is a difference between social structure and survival mechanism. It is easy to confuse the two. Coming together for certain events like mating or for the same optimal conditions does not make a a species social and there certainly is no structure. One huge thing that determins a social structure that reptiles completely lack is emotional bonding complex thinking (not instinctive reaction) and a hierarchy. Not even a pecking order.



Interesting about the gophers. Got a link? That would be the first ever recorded vocal communication in reptiles. Big news I would think.



So, give me an example of social behavior in varanids. That is the topic we are on here, not shinglebacks. I will give you that one though. The for life pair bonding in that species is pretty interesting and should be looked into mre.



I am not saying they are stupid mindless drones. However, they are not social animals with complex thought processes and emotional ties to others.

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