Snakes evolved from lizards, and lizards today make up 95% of living reptiles. There are over 4,300 species of lizards that regulate their body temperature through behaviors like lifting their belly from hot surfaces. Lizards use their tails and legs for defense and speed, and most are carnivorous while some are herbivorous, with only two venomous species.

1. Order: Squamata
By Mr. “Go Bearcats” Chapman

2. Lizards
 Who came first lizards or snakes?
 Snakes evolved from lizards.
 It is believed that 95% of living reptiles are
descendants of early lizards.
 There are about 4,300 species of lizards.

3. Lizards
 Thigmothermy – is
the transfer of heat by
contact with a warm
surface.
 Most reptiles can
handle a body
temperature up to 107
degrees.

4. Lizards
 Lizards regulate their
body temperature
throughout the day
and night.
 Lizards can help
lower their body temp.
by lifting the belly off
the ground.

6. Lizards
 Pineal Gland – “third
eye” is on top of the
head that controls the
length of time they
spend basking.
 Also use the third eye
for feeling the
duration and length of
sunlight.

7. Lizard Legs
 Lizards’ legs are attached in a 90 degree
angle.
 Helps in 2 ways:
 1. Protect their belly
 2. Gives them speed

9. Lizards
 Tails for lizards serve two purposes:
 1. They store fat for the lizard
 2. Their tails can fall off when being
attacked as a defense mechanism.

11. Lizards
 There are only 2
venomous species of
lizards:
 1. Gila Monster
 2. Beaded Dragon

12. Lizards Diet
 Lizards eat a variety of food from fruits
and vegetables to large mammals.
 Iguana’s and Mali Uromastyx are
herbivores.

14. Lizards Diet
 Lizards eat a variety of food from fruits
and vegetables to large mammals.
 Iguana’s and Mali Uromastyx are
herbivores.
 The majority of lizards are carnivores, and
eat insects called Insectivores.
 Some like Chameleons' use a long sticky
tongue to grab insects.

16. Lizards
 The largest specie is
the Komodo Dragon.
 Komodo Dragon kills
its prey with its saliva.
 The dragons saliva is
filled with bacteria
that infects the prey
after being bit.