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lizard (6)
marjan
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 474 W: 14 N: 360]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (2641) | Lizards are reptilian, four-legged, cold-blooded, with an integumentary system comprised of scales, with a skull composed of quadrate bones. Lizards also possess external ears and movable eyelids. Encompassing forty families, there is tremendous variety in color, appearance and size. Due to their smooth, shiny appearance, lizards can appear slimy or slippery; their skin is actually very dry due to a lack of pores to excrete lubricants.
Lizards have scales on their skin which may be tubercular or have ossified encrustations called osteoderms.[1].
Most lizards are oviparous, though a few species are viviparous. Many are also capable of regeneration of lost limbs or tails.
Some lizard species, including the glass lizard and legless lizards, have some vestigial structures though no functional legs. They are distinguished from true snakes by the presence of eyelids and ears and a tail that can sometimes break off as a physical defense mechanism. |
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