Lizards are a type of reptile that can be found all over the world.
There are many different species of lizard, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Some lizards can even change colour!
Here are ten fun facts about lizards:
1. Lizards have been around for millions of years – fossil evidence shows that they first appeared on Earth during the Triassic period, around 250 million years ago.
2. The largest lizard in the world is the Komodo dragon, which can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh up to 166 kg (366 pounds).
3. The smallest lizard is the dwarf gecko, which only grows to be about 1 cm (0.4 inches) long.
4. Many lizards are able to climb trees and walls using their sharp claws and sticky toe pads.
5. Most lizards are carnivorous, meaning they eat other animals for food. Some common prey items include insects, spiders, small mammals and other reptiles.
6. Lizards use their tongues to smell by flicking it in and out of their mouths rapidly. They also use their sense of smell to find mates and avoid predators.
7. Some lizards are able to detach their tails as a defence mechanism if they are grabbed by predators. The tail will continue to wiggle, distracting the predator long enough for the lizard to escape.
8. Lizards are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Basking in the sun is a common way for them to do this.
9. Many species of lizard are capable of regenerating lost body parts, such as their tails or limbs.
10. There are over 6000 different species of lizard currently known to science.
