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| SCIENTIFIC
CLASSIFICATION |
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| COMMON
NAME: |
lizards |
| KINGDOM: |
Animalia |
| PHYLUM: |
Chordata |
| CLASS: |
Reptilia |
| ORDER: |
Squamata
(Suborder
Sauria) |
| FAMILY: |
text |
| GENUS
SPECIES: |
Approximately
3,000 species |
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| DESCRIPTION: |
Long
reptile; most have legs (though there are legless
lizards); tail length and shape varies |
| MALE |
text |
| FEMALE |
text |
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| SIZE: |
Ranges
from the 40 mm (1.6 in.) Brookesia minima
to the 3 m (9.9 ft.) long Komodo dragon |
| MALE |
text |
| FEMALE |
text |
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| WEIGHT: |
Varies
between species |
| MALE |
text |
| FEMALE |
text |
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| DIET: |
Most
species are predatory; few are completely herbivirous |
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| INCUBATION: |
Varies;
usually relies on environmental conditions |
| CLUTCH
SIZE |
text |
| BREEDING
PERIOD |
text |
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| SEXUAL
MATURITY: |
Varies;
generally 2 years |
| MALE |
text |
| FEMALE |
text |
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| LIFE
SPAN: |
Varies |
| MALE |
text |
| FEMALE |
text |
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| RANGE: |
Worldwide,
except for Antarctic |
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| HABITAT: |
Ranges
from temperate and tropical regions, some can withstand
colder climates |
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| POPULATION: |
GLOBAL |
text |
| LOCAL |
text |
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| STATUS: |
IUCN |
text |
| CITES |
text |
| USFWS |
Some
species listed as endangered |
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| 1. |
Their
legs are not positioned like a mammals, they stick
out on each side and push the body along, undulating
or wriggling. Of course the legless lizards move
entirely by undulating movements, just as a snake
does. |
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| 2. |
Some lizards have a tail with weakened vertebrae
so it can break free and escape if caught by the
tail. The tail can regenerate, though usually not
to the same length and look of the original tail. |
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| 3. |
Geckoes are small lizards with flattened bodies
and pads on their toes, enabling them to run on
vertical and even overhanging surfaces. |
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| 4. |
The
flying lizards of Southeast Asia have extended ribs
that support a membrane of skin. By spreading the
membranous skin out, the lizard is able to glide
from one tree to another. |
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| 5. |
Chameleons
are known for their ability to change color. Communication
is an important reason behind these color changes.
Chameleons cannot display limitless colors and do
not change colors in a camouflage response to their
surroundings. Instead, their skin changes in response
to temperature, light, and mood. |
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| 6. |
The
Gila monster and its close relative, the Mexican
beaded lizard, are the only two venomous lizards
in the world. The venom glands are located in the
lower jaw. The venom is secreted through grooved
teeth. Currently, there is not anti-venom for the
Gila monster bite. |
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Lizards, like many other reptiles are essential
in controlling rodent and insect populations. Most
species suffer from habitat loss, but some fall
victim to human fears. Although not all are listed
as endangered or threatened, populations are under
pressure from both habitat destruction and their
popularity in the pet trade. |
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|
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Coborn, John. Snakes and Lizards: Their Care
and Breeding in Captivity. Great Britain: Ralph
Curtis Books Publishing, 1987. |
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Flank, Lenny Jr. Herp Help. New York: Howell
Book House, 1998. |
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Halliday, Tim R., and Adler, Kraig. The Encyclopedia
of Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Equinox
Books, 1986.
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| text |
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