Lizard Notes
- 1. Lizards By Mr. “3 note days left” Chapman
- 2. Lizards make up the largest group of reptiles (60% of reptiles). They occur on all continents except Antarctica.
- 3. Lizards typically are identified by their elongated body with four limbs, and a long tail.
- 4. Lizards typically are identified by their elongated body with four limbs, and a long tail. Two-legged lizard
- 5. Lizards typically are identified by their elongated body with four limbs, and a long tail. Two-legged lizard Legless lizard
- 6. Lizards vary tremendously in size. Left – smallest lizard A 1 ½ inch gecko from Hispaniola
- 7. Lizards vary tremendously in size. Left – smallest lizard Right – largest lizard – 10 feet A 1 ½ inch gecko from Hispaniola Komodo Dragon from Indonesia
- 8. Lizards tails serve several purposes depending on the species.
- 9. Lizards tails serve several purposes depending on the species. Chameleons have a prehensile tail (grips like an extra hand).
- 10. Many lizards have fracture plates in their tail. If a predator grabs the tail, it will break off and a new one will regenerate.
- 11. Many lizards have fracture plates in their tail. If a predator grabs the tail, it will break off and a new one will regenerate. *Some species are even able to autotomize (autotomy) their tail. They can snap it off and it wiggles on the ground keeping the attention of the predator while the lizard escapes.
- 12. Many lizards have fracture plates in their tail. If a predator grabs the tail, it will break off and a new one will regenerate. *Some species are even able to autotomize their tail. They can snap it off and it wiggles on the ground keeping the attention of the predator while the lizard escapes. Certain species even have brightly colored tails to make sure it keeps the predator’s attention.
- 13. Lizard diets are diverse…… Top left: Most are insectivores
- 14. Lizard diets are diverse…… Top left: Most are insectivores Top center: Many, like iguanas are herbivores
- 15. Lizard diets are diverse…… Top left: Most are insectivores Top center: Many, like iguanas are herbivores Top right: some geckos are nectarivores & they pollinate plants.
- 16. Lizard diets are diverse…… Top left: Most are insectivores Top center: Many, like iguanas are herbivores Top right: some geckos are nectarivores & they pollinate plants. Left: Komodo Dragons are predators that can kill large mammals. They’re the top predators on their islands.
- 17. Monitor lizards are the most advanced lizards. They are the direct ancestors of snakes. Evidence….
- 18. Monitor lizards are the most advanced lizards. They are the direct ancestors of snakes. Evidence…. • Long, serpentine body plan
- 19. Monitor lizards are the most advanced lizards. They are the direct ancestors of snakes. Evidence…. • Long, serpentine body plan • Forked tongue
- 20. Monitor lizards are the most advanced lizards. They are the direct ancestors of snakes. Evidence…. • Long, serpentine body plan • Forked tongue • Serpentine locomotion
- 21. Lizards are mostly oviparous. A few are viviparous.
- 22. Lizards are mostly oviparous. A few are viviparous. Among lizards there are species that are parthenogenic. The whole species is female.
- 23. Lizards are mostly oviparous. A few are viviparous. Among lizards there are species that are parthenogenic. The whole species is female. They lay diploid eggs that don’t have to be fertilized.
- 24. Lizards are mostly oviparous. A few are viviparous. Among lizards there are species that are parthenogenic. The whole species is female. They lay diploid eggs that don’t have to be fertilized. Since all the DNA comes from mom, they’re clones of her.
- 25. Venomous Lizards Until recently, it was thought that only two lizard species were venomous. Those were the Gila Monster & the Mexican Beaded Lizard.
- 26. Their saliva contains very potent neurotoxins but they don’t have fangs. Instead they have sharp teeth that create wounds. The venom simply runs into the wounds. To make wounds deep enough for the salva to leak into, these lizards must chew their victim.
- 27. Komodo Dragons were once thought to have toxins in their saliva as a result of some of the bacteria that live in their mouth. A bite would slowly kill the prey. However, more recently scientists have discovered that the dragons produce the toxins and several other monitors do as well.
- 28. Some of the proteins found in Gila Monster venom are showing promise as a treatment for Type II diabetes and certain cancers. Komodo Dragons bite each other when they fight but the bites never get infected despite the presence of over 50 species of bacteria in their saliva. Some of the proteins in their saliva are proving to be valuable as sources of antibiotics.