How Are Lizards Classified in Biological Taxonomy?
Lizards are reptiles that fall under the order Squamata and class Reptilia. There are over 6,000 species of lizards that can be found in every continent except Antarctica. Lizards come in all shapes and sizes, and some are even legless. The smallest known species of lizard is the Sphaerodactylus ariasae, or the Jaragua lizard, which was discovered on an island off the coast of Dominican Republic. The measure of the adult lizards ranges between 0.63 to 0.71 inches in length.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest living lizard in the world. The largest verified specimen reached a total body length of 10.3 feet and weighed over 160 kgs. Varanus komodoensis is found on the Indonesian Islands of Flores, Rinca, Gili Motang and Komodo. This lizard is the apex predator of its environment due to its sheer size. Moreover, the saliva of the komodo dragon is supposedly venomous, secreting a toxic cocktail of proteins as well as anticoagulants.
Another group of lizards that superficially resembles snakes are members of the family Pygopodidae. Hence, these animals are sometimes called legless lizards. Pygopodidae are different from snakes because they possess a notched tongue rather than a forked tongue. Furthermore, Pygopodids have an outer ear opening also as eyelids.
Scientific Name of Select Lizards
Slowworm – Anguis fragilis
Komodo Dragon – Varanus komodoensis
Common house gecko – Hemidactylus frenatus
Rock monitor – Varanus albigularis
Megalania – Varanus priscus (extinct)
Facts About Lizards
More than 6000 different lizard species can be found on Earth.
Lizards have the capability to move their eyelids .
Liards can be found almost everywhere.
Lizards can stay on land also, not necessarily in water.
There are different types and sizes of lizards.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Lizards: Explained for Biology Students
1. What is the scientific name for lizards?
There is no single scientific name for all lizards, as "lizard" refers to a large group of reptiles. Scientifically, lizards belong to the suborder Lacertilia (or sometimes Sauria). They are part of the order Squamata, which they share with snakes, and the class Reptilia.
2. What is the complete taxonomic classification of a lizard?
The taxonomic classification of a lizard follows a standard hierarchy. Using the common house gecko as an example, the classification from Kingdom to Species is:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Lacertilia
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Genus: Hemidactylus
- Species: frenatus
3. What is the scientific name of the common house lizard found in India?
The scientific name for the common house lizard, or house gecko, frequently found in India and other parts of Asia is Hemidactylus frenatus. Here, Hemidactylus is the genus name, and frenatus is the specific species name.
4. What are the key biological characteristics that define most lizards?
Most lizards are defined by a specific set of biological characteristics that distinguish them from other reptiles. Key features include:
- The presence of four limbs (though some are legless).
- Movable eyelids, allowing them to blink and clean their eyes.
- External ear openings for hearing.
- Skin covered in scales to prevent water loss.
- The ability in many species to shed their tail (autotomy) as a defence mechanism.
5. How are lizards scientifically distinguished from snakes, since both are in the order Squamata?
Although they share the order Squamata, lizards and snakes have distinct features. The primary scientific distinctions are:
- Eyelids: Lizards have movable eyelids, while snakes have a transparent, fixed scale called a 'spectacle' over their eyes and cannot blink.
- External Ears: Most lizards possess external ear openings, which are completely absent in snakes.
- Limbs: The vast majority of lizards have legs, whereas snakes are entirely limbless.
- Jaw Structure: Lizards have a more rigid jaw structure compared to the highly flexible jaws of snakes, which allow snakes to swallow very large prey.
6. Why is "lizard" considered a suborder and not a single species in biology?
In biology, a species is a group of organisms that can interbreed. "Lizard" is classified as a suborder (Lacertilia) because it encompasses over 6,000 different species with vast genetic and physical diversity. These range from tiny geckos to the large Komodo dragon. Grouping them into a suborder reflects their shared evolutionary history and common characteristics while acknowledging they are too different to be a single species.
7. What is the importance of using binomial nomenclature for lizards like Hemidactylus frenatus?
Using binomial nomenclature (a two-part scientific name) like Hemidactylus frenatus is crucial for several reasons:
- Universal Identification: It provides a unique, globally recognised name, avoiding confusion from common names like "house lizard" or "gecko," which can vary by region.
- Shows Relationships: The genus name, Hemidactylus, groups it with other closely related species, indicating a shared evolutionary ancestor.
- Precision: It allows scientists to be precise about the exact species they are studying, which is vital for research, conservation, and ecological studies.
8. What is the scientific study of lizards called?
The scientific study focusing specifically on lizards is called Saurology. While the broader study of all reptiles and amphibians is known as Herpetology, Saurology is the specialised branch dedicated exclusively to the members of the suborder Lacertilia.
