Lizard

's *Kunstformen der Natur*, 1904]]

**Lizards** are a group of reptiles. Together with snakes, they make up most of the order Squamata.

There are about 6,000 species, which live all over the world, except in cold climates. They range across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains.  One type, the marine iguana, lives in the sea near the Galápagos Islands. Size varies greatly, from Geckos of a few inches or cm to the Komodo dragon of 3 meters (9 feet) and 70 kg (150 pounds).

Some kinds of lizards are: 
* Basilisk
* Gecko
* *Iguana*
* Monitor lizard
* Frill-necked Lizard
* *Draco*, flying lizard
* Slow-worm: a lizard without legs.

## Simplified classification 
### Traditional taxonomy 
In the traditional taxonomy the Order Squamata is divided like this:
*Order Squamata (the scaled reptiles)
** Suborder Serpentes (snakes)
** Suborder Lacertilia / Sauria (lizards)

### Modern taxonomy 
A modern view is that the snakes and lizards are all infraorders of the Squamata:p238

*Order Squamata
** Suborder Serpentes
** Suborder Iguania: Iguanas, chameleons, agamas and relatives.
** Infraorder Gekkota: Geckos, legless lizards, blind lizards.
** Suborder  Scincomorpha: Skinks, wall lizards and relatives.
** Suborder Anguimorpha (Platynota, Varanoidea): Monitor lizards, Gila monsters, Slow-worms and relatives.
** Clade Lacertoidea Gymnophthalmoidea and relatives 
*** Superfamily Amphisbaenia: legless burrowing worm lizards.
*** Superfamily Gymnophthalmoidea whiptailed and spectacled lizards
There are other versions, and the taxonomy will probably not settle until more molecular evidence is collected.

## Natural history 
### Anatomy 
The skull structure of both snakes and lizards is distinctive. They can move their upper jaw relative to the braincase. Lizard skin is covered in scales. Some lizards have scales that you can easily see. Others, like geckos, have tiny scales that are challenging to see without a microscope. Some lizards use venom for attack and defense. 

### Evolution 
The Squamates are definitely a monophyletic group; they are a sister group to the Tuatara. Judged by their fossil record, the Squamates were present in the Mesozoic, but occupied a minor place in the land ecology. Three of the six lines are recorded first in the Upper Jurassic, the others in the Cretaceous.

Although snakes and lizards look so different, neither are proper clades. Snakes did descend from early lizards, so both groups together do form a monophyletic clade, the Squamata. Within that clade there is another monophyletic clade, the Toxicofera. This includes all venomous reptile species, as well as many related non-venomous species. The evidence for this is in recent molecular analyses.

## Physiology
 from a population introduced to Hawaii in the 1970s]]

Lizards use anti-predator defences, including venom, camouflage, and reflex bleeding. They can also sacrifice and regrow their tails.

Sight is very important for most lizards, both for finding prey and for communication. Many lizards have highly acute color vision. Most rely heavily on body language, using specific postures, gestures and movements to define territory, resolve disputes, and entice mates. 

Most lizards use bright colors, but not all the time. These are usually kept out of sight, otherwise the animal would be seen by predators. The bright patches are usually hidden on the underside or between scales: they are only shown when necessary. For example, the *dewlap* is a brightly colored patch of skin on the throat, usually hidden between scales. When a display is needed, the lizards erect the hyoid bone of their throat. This shows a large vertical flap of brightly colored skin under its head which can be then used for communication.

## Images 

Image:Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard.JPG|Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard, *Uma inornata*
Image:plumed.basilisk.750pix.jpg|Plumed Basilisk, *Basiliscus plumifrons*
Image:gila.monster.arp.jpg|Gila monster, *Heloderma s. suspectum*
Image:green.tree.monitor.lizard.arp.jpg|Green tree monitor lizard, *Varanus prasinus*

## References