Lizards belong to the group of animals
called reptiles. Reptiles have scales on
their body instead of hair or feathers.
There are more than 3,000 species, or
types, of lizard. Iguanas, chameleons,
geckos, and skinks are some of the
types.
Where Lizards Live
Lizards are cold-blooded animals. This
means that the temperature of the body
changes based on the temperature of
the surroundings. Therefore most
lizards do not live in very cold places.
Many species are found in wet tropics
or dry deserts. Lizards live
underground, on the ground, and in
trees or plants. A few species spend
some time in water.
The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard.
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Lizard 169
Physical Features
Lizards vary more in size and shape than
any other group of reptiles. Some lizards
are only an inch or two long. But the
largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, can
reach a length of 10 feet (3 meters).
Most lizards have four strong legs, but
some have no legs at all. These lizards
look like snakes and are often mistaken
for them. Unlike snakes, however, lizards
have eyelids and ear openings. Lizards
usually have a long tail, too.
Most lizards have dry scales covering
their body. The scales are small plates
that are either smooth or bumpy. They
are often brown, green, or gray.
Many lizards have unique features. Some
have horns or spines. Others have a
bony plate around the neck. These features
help the lizards scare away enemies.
A few species have extra skin on the
sides of the body. Spreading this skin
helps them to glide from tree to tree.
Two kinds of lizard are poisonous. They
are the Gila monster of the southwestern
United States and the beaded lizard of
Mexico. Their venom, or poison, is
strong enough to kill a human.
Behavior
Most lizards are active during the day.
Geckos, however, are usually active from
dusk to dawn. Different types of lizard
have different ways of moving around.
Most run on four legs, but some run
fastest on their back legs. Legless lizards
move like snakes do.
Many lizards are able to change from
their drab color to a brighter color. They
do this when trying to attract a mate or
to scare away another animal. Some also
change color as a way to communicate
with each other. Temperature and light
also affect lizards’ color changes.
Lizards spend much of their time looking
for food. Most lizards eat insects, but
some eat seeds and plants. Lizards may
dig for food. They also may wait for
prey to come near. Then they dart suddenly
to catch it.
The Australian frilled lizard spreads out the
skin around its neck to scare enemies.
The Gila monster has a strong bite. Its jaw
delivers venom, or poison, into its victim.
170 Lizard BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA
Most lizards run away from their
enemies. But sometimes an enemy cannot
be avoided. In these cases some lizards
puff themselves up with air and
stand straight. This makes the lizard
look bigger and tougher.
Many lizards use their tails to escape
from enemies. The tail breaks off when
touched and then twists and wiggles on
the ground. The wiggling tail distracts
the enemy while the lizard escapes. A
lizard usually can grow a new tail.
Reproduction
Most lizards reproduce by laying eggs.
The females of most species lay several
eggs at a time, but some kinds lay only
one or two. The eggs have tough, leathery
shells. Lizards usually bury their eggs
or hide them under leaves. In a few species
the females watch their eggs until
they hatch. Most lizards, however, leave
the eggs after laying them. A few types
of lizard give birth to live young instead
of laying eggs.
Lizards and Humans
In some parts of the world people eat
large lizards, such as iguanas. Many
small lizards are useful to people because
they eat insect pests.
Human activities have threatened the
survival of some lizard species. By cutting
down trees to make room for buildings,
people have destroyed the homes of
some lizards. Capturing and selling lizards
as pets also has reduced their numbers.
The great Komodo dragon of
Indonesia, for example, was almost
wiped out. It is now protected by law.
..More to explore
Chameleon • Gecko • Iguana • Reptile
• Snake
Ljubljana
Population
(2008 estimate)
267,760
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, a
country in southeastern Europe. High
mountains surround the city. It is
Slovenia’s largest city and center of
culture.
Much of the country’s business and
industry is based in Ljubljana. Factories
there make such products as metals,
electronics, chemicals, and paper.Many
The Ljubljanica River flows through
Ljubljana, Slovenia.
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Ljubljana 171
people in the city work in government
offices, tourism, or other service
industries.
More than 2,000 years ago a city called
Emona was built on the site that is now
Ljubljana. It became part of the Roman
Empire. Invaders destroyed Emona in
the 400s. In the 500s a Slavic people
began settling a new town there. It later
came to be called Ljubljana.
From the 1200s to the early 1900s Slovenia
was part of the empire of Austria-
Hungary. For much of the 1900s
Slovenia was part of a country called
Yugoslavia. Slovenia became an independent
