Lizards
Lizards are a very large and widespread group of squamate reptiles, with nearly 5,000 species. Most lizards have dry, scaly skin. They have four legs, clawed feet, and a long tail. You can see their outside ear opening.
Lizards have a weak tail. A small bump or tug will break it off, but not all lizards have weak tails.
Lizard tails help in balance and movement. Their fat is stored in the tail. Losing the tail can be a big problem but some lizards can grow a new tail. lizards do eat bugs and spiders. Others eat plants, small animals, or even other lizards.
Most lizards use their eyes to look for food. Some use their sense of smell.
Lizards have jaws with teeth. They also have teeth on the roof of their mouth. Lizards live in deserts, forests, prairies, marshes, and rocky areas. Most lizards live on the ground or in trees.
On very hot days, some lizards hide and they are fun to play with.
Most lizards sleep through the winter. On warm days, they sometimes come out to eat. They can run, climb, and cling, but few can swim.
People often see lizards dart over logs and rocks. They run quickly across the ground. However, some lizards have small, weak legs. These lizards move slowly. Lizards put their eggs in a nest. Other lizards have live babies. The mother lizards do not care for their babies. The lizard has many enemies. Some lizards are eaten by birds. They are also eaten by animals, snakes, and other lizards. Some lizards break off their tails to escape enemies. Other lizards may swell up, hiss, or move their tail or body to scare an enemy. Lizards can change colors to hide.
Few of them are dangerous. Many lizards bite or have sharp spines.
