A chameleon can change its colors and has opposable thumbs.
Lizards are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded, lay eggs, and are covered in scales instead of feathers or fur. Some live in trees, underground, on riverbanks, or in the desert. Certain species eat insects, others fruit, and still others feed on small mammals. They come in all colors and sizes and are equipped with innovative methods of defense, reproduction, and predation.
Geckos are small tropical lizards that climb vertical surfaces with ease.
Depending on who you ask, the different types of lizards fall into between six and 16 families. Each family shares general characteristics, such as where they can survive, what they look like, and what they eat. In each family there are many different species. Some look like dinosaurs, while others are small enough to perch on a fingertip.
Chameleon tails are similar to those of apes in that they are prehensile and aid in climbing.
Many people recognize the chameleons’ human hands as they hold the branches. They are equipped with opposable thumbs and fingers that allow them to crawl through trees in Asia, the Mediterranean, and sub-Saharan Africa. Their prehensile tails curl and wrap around stems to aid in climbing, similar to a monkey’s tail. Like frogs, their sticky tongues dart out to catch flying insects. Each eye, surrounded by a convex socket, can move independently, which helps you to observe flies. Chameleons can change the tone of their scales based on emotions related to fear or reproductive impulses.
Iguanas are one of the largest species of lizards.
Skinks are a lesser known type of lizard. They are often mistaken for a kind of snake because they have tiny, smooth scales on a long, cylindrical body. Also like snakes, they show complex, beautiful and colorful patterns. Skinks like semi-arid environments, such as grasslands or sandy hills, where they dig burrows for protection. Another useful feature is the ability for its tail to snap off when grabbed by a predator, allowing it to quickly move away.
Lizards can live in hot climates, with some species burrowing under the hot desert floor.
Iguanas are popular because they are friendly pets. In the wild, some species can grow quite large as they roam through arid and temperate climates. They are completely vegetarian and eat leaves and sweet fruits. Their main defense is their pointed tail that they can turn when threatened. The green varieties stay in the trees while the brown iguanas cling to the ground and dig burrows.
Some specific species of lizards are worth mentioning. Gila monsters predominantly live in the southwestern United States, where they hide under the warm desert floor. The unique pattern of bands on their scales is usually red and black. The bright colors warn other animals that they are poisonous. In fact, although they feed on the eggs of birds and reptiles, they give a venomous bite as a defensive measure.
Geckos are miniature tropical lizards with bright green bodies and usually orange or yellow legs. Their toes, like suckers, allow them to scale vertical surfaces in search of insects. People sometimes see them climb through glass windows with ease. Their huge eyes let in more light for night hunting.