All About Lizards

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In this video, we're going to take a look at a special group of reptiles - lizards, of which there are over 7,000 different species that can be found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica.
This video is sponsored in part by Blue Ring Education - the makers of Next Generation Science, Matholia and Kids health net.
As members of the reptile family, lizards share several defining characteristics with their scaly relatives. Like all reptiles, lizards are ectothermic, or "cold-blooded," meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. This is why you often see lizards basking in the sun on rocks or other warm surfaces.
Another key feature of lizards is their skin, which is covered in scales. These scales provide protection from the environment and help lizards retain moisture in their bodies.
Lizards, like most reptiles, lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. They often lay their eggs in protected areas, such as underground burrows or in the crevices of rocks, to keep them safe from predators.
One distinguishing characteristic of lizards is that they typically have four limbs. These limbs are adapted for various purposes, such as running, climbing, and digging, depending on the species and their habitat. Although there are some legless lizards like glass lizards and worm lizards.
Diversity of Lizards:
Lizards are incredibly diverse, with over 7,000 known species worldwide. They come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colors, each adapted to their specific environment and way of life. Let's explore some notable examples of lizard diversity.
Chameleons:
These unique lizards are known for their ability to change color to blend in with their surroundings or communicate with other chameleons. They have long, sticky tongues that they use to catch insects, and their eyes can move independently of each other, allowing them to look in two directions at once.
Iguanas:
Iguanas are large, herbivorous lizards found in tropical regions of the Americas. The green iguana is a well-known species that can grow up to 6 feet long. Marine iguanas, found only in the Galapagos Islands, are unique among lizards in their ability to forage for algae underwater.
Frilled Neck Lizard:
Native to Australia, the frilled neck lizard is named for the large, circular flap of skin around its neck. When threatened, the lizard can erect this frill, making itself appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators.
Skinks:
Skinks are a diverse family of lizards, with over 1,500 species found across the globe. They are characterized by their smooth, glossy scales and typically have long, streamlined bodies with relatively small legs. Many skink species have long, tapered tails that can detach and regenerate if grabbed by predators, allowing the lizard to escape. A well-known example is the blue-tongued skink, native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, which gets its name from its bright blue tongue that it displays when threatened.
Thorny Devil:
Also known as the thorny dragon, this Australian lizard has a spiky, armor-like exterior that helps protect it from predators. The thorny devil is also known for its ability to collect moisture from any part of its body, which is then channeled to its mouth for drinking.
Geckos: Geckos are known for their ability to climb smooth surfaces, thanks to the tiny hair-like structures on their toe pads. Many species of geckos are nocturnal and are often found near human habitations, where they help control insect populations.
Gila monster:
While most lizards are harmless to humans, a few species are venomous. The Gila monster, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, is one of the few venomous lizards in the world. Their venom is not typically fatal to humans but can cause severe pain and other symptoms. Another venomous lizard is the Mexican beaded lizard, a close relative of the Gila monster.
Komodo Dragon:
The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species, native to several Indonesian islands. These giant lizards can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 70 kilograms. Komodo dragons are apex predators in their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of prey, including Timor deer, water buffalo, pigs, and smaller Komodo dragons.
Lizards are a diverse and fascinating group of reptiles that have adapted to a wide range of environments and lifestyles. From the color-changing chameleons to the underwater-foraging marine iguanas, lizards showcase the incredible adaptability and variety of life on Earth.