|
Lizards are reptiles of the order Squamata, normally possessing four legs,
external ear openings and movable eyelids. As reptiles, they are
cold-blooded, lay eggs, and are covered by scales. Different types of
lizards have different habitats. Some live in trees, underground, on the
banks of rivers or in the desert. Some lizard varieties eat insects,
others fruit, and still others prey on small mammals. They come in all
colors and sizes, equipped with innovative methods of defense, reproduction
and predation. Each family shares general characteristics, like where they
can survive, how they look and what they eat. In each family are many
different species. Some lizards look like dinosaurs, while others are small
enough to perch on the tip of your finger.
It is believed that lizards are divided into anywhere from six to sixteen
families. Just to describe a few, the species can be very different from
each other.
Everyone recognizes chameleons' human-like hands as they grasp branches.
They are equipped with an opposable thumb and fingers to let them crawl
through trees. Their prehensile tails curl and wrap around stems to help
with climbing, similar to a monkey's tail. Like frogs, their sticky tongues
dart out to catch flying insects. Each eye, enclosed in a convex socket, can
move independently, which helps it watch for flies. Chameleons can change
the color of their scales based on emotions related to fear.
Skinks are a lesser-known type of lizard. They are often mistaken for a
kind of snake because they have tiny, smooth scales on a long, cylindrical
body. They have this useful trait, that is their tail's ability to break off
when grabbed by a predator, allowing them to quickly slink away.
Iguanas are a popular type of lizard because they make friendly pets.
Some species of iguana can grow quite large. Surprisingly, they are entirely
vegetarian, snacking on leaves and sweet fruits. Their main defense is their
sharply spiked tail that they can whip around when feeling threatened.
House lizards or geckos are diminutive, tropical lizards with bright
green bodies and often orange or yellow feet. Their fascinating toes, like
suction cups, allow them to shimmy up vertical surfaces in their search for
insects. Their oversized eyes let in light for nocturnal hunting. There are
more than a thousand different species of geckos. Most geckos have no
eyelids. Instead, they have a transparent membrane which they lick to clean.
Many species have specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and
vertical surfaces and even cross indoor ceilings with ease. Many make their
home inside human habitations. These species become part of the house and
are seldom got rid of because they feed on insects which are considered as
pests. |
|
Based
on the passage given, write a summary on :
•
the characteristics of lizards
•
different species of lizards
Your
summary must:
• be
in continuous writing ( not in note form )
• not
be longer than 130 words, including the 10 words given below
Begin
your summary as follow:
Lizards are reptiles that possess four legs, external ear openings ... |
