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Unit 18: Biology Part 1 Page 29 of 60
from snakes because of their considered closely related to birds.
external ears. Most lizards are The crocodile body allows it to
insectivores, meaning they eat spread its legs and move close to
insects. Most lizards lay eggs, the ground (the belly walk) or
although some give birth to live bring its legs in and move more
young. upright (the high walk).
Like most lizards, the Eastern
Fence Lizard has four legs and The Nile Crocodile shows the basic
external ears. crocodile body plan.
Many lizards have excellent vision, Crocodiles have a number of
including having the ability to see similarities to mammals. Unlike
in color, and they communicate any other reptile, but like
with each other using bright colors mammals, crocodiles have a four
and body language. Lizards also chambered heart. They are also
use pheromones, or body scents, similar to mammals in that they
as a method of communication. have thecodont dentition. This
means that their teeth are in bony
Many lizards can regenerate their
tail, and will release their tail to sockets. However, their teeth and
escape a predator. Other methods heart differ from mammals in
for escaping predators including important ways too. Crocodiles
climbing and running, both of have the ability to regenerate their
which lizards do very well. Some teeth throughout their lives. Also,
lizards even have the ability to run blood with and without oxygen mix
on only two legs. in crocodiles, something that never
happens in a healthy mammal.
Alligators and crocodiles are closely
related, and are both in the group Whether a crocodile is male or
crocodilia. This group, is female is not determined
genetically, as it is in most
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