Different types of lizards have different body types.
This is apparent by just looking at different species.
Whether your lizard is ground dwelling, lives in trees,
or swims, their limbs will all be different.
Terrestrial / Ground Dwelling
Lizards that live on the ground have large, heavy feet.
Their legs are short and powerfully built. In many cases,
terrestrial lizards dig and bury into
the ground, and their large feet and sharp talons are
suited for this action.
Examples: Frilled
Dragon, Berber
Skink, Blue
Tongue Skink
Arboreal / Tree Dwelling
Climbing species have complex, multi-jointed legs.
The bones in their legs are normally relatively fragile.
They require higher amounts of vitamins,
especially calcium, as they develop. Arboreal
lizards have large feet, and large toes with
long, curved claws for gripping branches.
Examples: Veiled
Chameleon, Panther
Chameleon, Green
Anole
Aquatic / Water Dwelling
Water dwelling lizards have short but very strong legs,
and webbing in-between their toes which enables them
to swim quickly and efficiently. The tails of these
lizards are also adapted to assist in swimming. Remember,
Aquatic lizards are actually only semi-aquatic,
and live on both land and in the trees as well.
Examples: Chinese
Water Dragon
Adaptations
Most Geckos have developed lamellae on their feet.
These are small hooked projections that enable the Gecko
to 'stick' onto most smooth surfaces.
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