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Continuation on Morph Terminology
All reptiles
Co-Dominant Traits: This describes an instance where an offspring displays expressions of two different but equally dominant traits.

Phenotype: A word describing an organism’s observable characteristics.

Genotype: This pertains to the organism’s genetic makeup.

Line Bred: This is when geckos with particular characteristics are bred with one another with the goal of producing offspring with the same (or improved) traits. Line bred traits are also referred to as polygenic traits.

Out-Crossing: This refers to the breeding of reptiles displaying different characteristics. This is generally done for two reasons. First, to minimize the risk of genetic defects through diversification. It is also done in hopes of introducing a new trait or having a certain outcome as far as appearance of the offspring.

Homozygous: Homozygous leopard geckos carry two copies of the same trait, one from each parent.

Heterozygous: Heterozygous varieties carry one copy of a normal or wild trait, and one copy of a recessive or designer trait.

Morph Terminology

Before we get into the different types of morphs out there, it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of the vocabulary you’ll come across as you learn about and shop for leopard geckos. Reptile genetics (and genetics in general) is a very complex area of study, so keep in mind that these are very simple and basic definitions.

Genetic Traits: Characteristic, such as eye color or size, that are determined by genetics.

Recessive Traits: These are traits that come from a recessive gene. In order for recessive traits to be expressed in offspring, they must be passed on from both parents.

Dominant traits: Dominant traits show up even when only one parent has the dominant gene. When one parent carries a recessive gene and the other carries a dominant gene, the dominant characteristic will typically show up in the offspring
..to be continued

A MORPH
A “leopard gecko morph” is simply a variation in size, coloring, pattern, or other physical features of a leopard gecko. Some morphs are caused by random mutations. Through selective breeding, though, a large (and growing) number of new leopard gecko morphs have been created.

All reptiles will explore many of the existing leopard gecko morphs, and even a couple that are still being developed. Note that there are many varieties and combinations of leopard gecko morphs, and the potential for still more is practically endless.

Temperature, heat lamps, UV lights and humidity

Leopard geckos use their environment to regulate their body temperature. That's why it's important to provide a 'thermogradient', with a heat lamp at one end and a cooler area at the other. Use thermostats to regulate the temperatures. You'll also need to remember:

Basking area: this should remain between 28 and 30 °C during the day, and the cool end 24 to 26 °C.

At night: turn off the heat lamp, but use a heat mat or ceramic heat lamp to ensure the temperature doesn't dip below 18 °C.

Dry environment: leopard geckos need a relatively dry environment. Measure the humidity at the cool end of the tank with a hygrometer - it should be between 30 and 40%.

Ultraviolet light: your gecko will need low levels of ultraviolet light. A two to five% UVB bulb will provide this, allowing them to make vitamin D inside their body - an essential mineral that allows your gecko to store and use calcium.

All reptiles