Alicia, Kid Castle 2009

A Ground Lion

A crocodile ??? A lizard ??? A turtle???A crocodile ??? A lizard ??? A turtle???

Reptile Classification1. Crocodilia — crocodiles, gharials, caimans and alligators

23 species

2. Sphenodontia — tuataras from New Zealand

2 species

3. Squamata — lizards, snakes and worm-lizards

about 7,900 species

4. Testudines — turtles and tortoises

approximately 300 species

Popular lizard groups within Popular lizard groups within the Squamata order:the Squamata order:

• Agamas – long-tailed lizards;

• Chameleons – tropical lizards that able to change their colors;

• Geckos – small lizards that have sucking cups on their toes to climb;

• Iguanas – tropical lizards that have a spiny back;

• Lizards – reptiles.

Who is the “Ground lion”?Who is the “Ground lion”? In the reptile world there are

some bizarre shapes and colors.

Some of the most striking variations are found in the chameleons.

Chameleons

By current classification there are more than 160 different species of chameleons in the world. Most are found in tropical regions such as Africa and Madagascar (an island off the coast of Africa), but a few species are native to parts of Europe and Asia.

Madagascar and Madagascar and chameleonschameleons

• Most of chameleons live in a tropical forest in trees.

Do they have long and sticky tongue?

Yes, they do.

• most types of chameleons can "shoot" their tongue one-and-a-half times the length of their body;

• the tip of a chameleon tongue is incredibly sticky;

Can they move their eyes independent of one another?

Yes, they can.

• their eyes are very special among the reptiles;• the upper and lower eyelids are joined, with only a

pinhole large enough to see through;• they can observe two different objects at the same

time.

Can they change their color?

Yes, they can. The skin color changes under the influence of the lizard's

mood.

• Fear• Anger• Light• Temperature• Humidity• It plays an impor

tant role in communication.

Changing colors.• Chameleon can change to various

shades of green, blue-green, turquoise, and black.

Do they use their tail to climb the trees?

Yes, they do.• The tail can wrap around tree branche

s while climbing.

A special tail.• When the chameleon settled down to

sleep, the tail will often curl up into a perfect spiral.

How many toes does it have on every foot?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ????

Five toes• They have five toes on each foot, but the toes are

connected into a group of two and a group of three.

• This gives chameleon feet the appearance of tongs, and it's ideal for gripping vines and branches as they climb through the canopy.

Jackson's chameleon

Veiled chameleon

Brookesia

The End