Squamata
Squamata is an order of reptiles that includes lizards and snakes. It is the largest order of reptiles, with over 10,000 described species. Squamates are found on all continents except Antarctica, and they occupy a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even oceans.
Common Names
Squamates are commonly known as lizards and snakes. Some specific groups of squamates have their own common names, such as geckos, iguanas, chameleons, and vipers.
Characteristics
Squamates are characterized by their scales, which are made of keratin. They also have a distinctive jaw structure that allows them to open their mouths very wide. Squamates are typically carnivorous or insectivorous, but some species are herbivorous or omnivorous. They are ectothermic, which means that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Most squamates lay eggs, but some species are viviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young.
Environments
Squamates are found in a wide variety of environments, including:
- Deserts
- Forests
- Grasslands
- Oceans
- Freshwater
Some squamates are adapted to specific environments, such as the marine iguana, which is the only lizard that lives exclusively in the ocean.
Marine Species
While most squamates are terrestrial, a few species have adapted to a marine lifestyle. These include sea snakes, marine iguanas, and some species of sea lizards. Marine squamates have evolved a number of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle, such as flattened bodies, paddle-like tails, and salt glands.
References
Here are some reliable sources for more information about Squamata: